The Devil and the Wallpaper
The closing curtains
I'm so tired of being here, suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave, I wish that you would just leave
Your presence still lingers here and it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried, I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream, I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me
You used to captivate me by your resonating light
Now, I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts my once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away all the sanity in me
These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase
When you cried, I'd wipe away all of your tears
When you'd scream, I'd fight away all of your fears
And I held your hand through all of these years
But you still have all of me, me, me.
His fingers hesitantly lingered on the frame of his glasses, whilst he drove aimlessly with no particular destination in mind. Unconsciously, he steered the steering wheel towards a familiar road, by which had become a habit to cross through. He firmly pressed on the breaks and parked on the kerb of the street, gazing through his tinted windows. Although a decade had passed since he had last confronted her, and despite the fact that he knew that she had moved on with her life, he was still the same little boy whom harbored feelings for her, deep in his heart. Sighing resentfully, he turned on the ignition of the car and was on the verge of leaving, when suddenly he caught sight of her from the corner of his eyes. Somehow, regardless of which place, which time and which year, his eyes always sought out for her. The mere sight of her took his breath away. Her face radiated with a blissful glow, portraying her happiness and content. A ghost of a smile played upon his lips, as he watched her running towards the school bus, with her 6 year old daughter clutching her hands.
His heart panged with remorse, that child could have been mine. Our daughter. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back, disallowing the tears to course down his cheeks. Don't look at her Maan, it will only hurt you. He willed himself to leave, to move on with his life, but curse his unfaithful heart, for still loving her all of these hurtful years. Opening his tear rimmed eyes, Maan watched Geet wave at the retreating bus. Jealousy ripped through his insides as he watched Imran emerge from the front door, half of his face covered with shaving cream. With a grin, Imran snaked his arms around Geet's waist and lifted her into the air, twirling her around. Shrieking with protests, Geet laughingly ordered him to set her back down. Do not touch her, his mind screamed out in torment. As if fate was mocking his feelings, Imran cupped Geet's face in the palm of his hands and edged himself closer towards her awaiting lips.
'NO!' Maan screamed, frantically sitting upright, his chest heaving with deep panting breaths. His body glistered with sweat as he stared at the ground, trying to make sense of the nightmare. It was only a dream, Maan thought in relief, as he looked around his room, trying to reassure his racing heart. He got up from his bed and strolled towards the corner of his room, where his icebox was situated. Bending down, Maan opened the box and grabbed the can of beer. Opening the can, he chugged the entire drink down in one gulp. Scrunching the can in his hands, he flung it away. His furious gaze rested upon the laptop, which he had forgotten to turn off. Walking towards the hateful devise, he looked at the screen and noticed that it was still on the same facebook page.
Imran Abbas is now in a relationship with Geet Handa
Memories of his nightmare came thundering back, urging the volcano within him to erupt. Like a monster about to unleash in a deadly campaign, Maan grabbed the laptop and with all the strength he could muster, threw it at his window. The sound of millions of glasses breaking did not deter him from his rage-filled thoughts. He would never allow that dream to come true. Ever. And if Imran tried to take Geet away from him, then it would have to be over his dead body. Perhaps...not even then. Maan vowed that Geet belonged to him only, and he would like to see how anyone could stop themselves from facing the wrath of the devil himself.
***
'Stupid piece of constipated crap!' Geet muttered as she idly drew pictures of a devil horned Maan onto her piece of paper. 'You think your so beautiful don't you?' Geet questioned as she drew a huge mole on the tip of his nose, adding strands of curly hair onto the flaw. With an evil grin, she finished the picture by drawing fangs emerging from his lips. Geet was about to adjust her glasses when she suddenly remembered that she wasn't wearing any, thanks to that mole faced, lip fanged, devil ! It felt so odd wearing contact lenses, especially since they were coloured ones. She had a phobic fear that her lens would wonder off, whenever she was facing or talking to someone. It would look like she had a wondering eye. In which case she did, when Maan was concerned. She tried to suppress a grin, at the thought of Maan walking into the room, and despite facing the front, her contact lenses would drift off from her pupils and wonder towards his direction. Oh wait! Why on earth was she thinking about him again? He was the REASON she didn't have glasses right now. And quite frankly, one is not expected to daydream about the very same person who heartlessly stepped on one's glasses. Yeah well she had her revenge, if punching his face hadn't been enough, her kick in his shins would surely have rendered him completely impotent. Hah! Well there was no chances her future children would ever encounter any Baby Singh Khurana's after the damage she had imposed on his private part.
Well this was a waste of time, Geet thought as she looked around the classroom. Her favourite teacher (sarcasm intended) was absent, and like a total geek, she was still sitting in class waiting for him. Half the student's had walked off, whilst the other nerds sat faithfully, glued to their seats. Bored to an extremity, Geet looked at her side and noticed that Imran was sitting with his back against the wall, openly staring at her. What the hell...Geet thought as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat and resumed drawing in her paper. She felt his eye bore holes into her, as he continued to gaze at her. Jeez what a desperado! Geet felt like confronting him, kindly informing him that she had only accepted his friend request, not some kind of marriage proposal for him to watch her like an obsessive stalker. Fair enough, he had backed her up against Maan, but that does not mean he had the right to look at her nonstop in such a creepy way. Feeling self conscious, Geet tried to cover the side of her face with her fringe.
At that moment, Geet's tracking antenna's shot up as she detected the devil walking into the classroom. Don't look at him, don't you dare look at him. Geet felt her head turning towards him, acknowledging his presence. Do you have any self respect? Her eyes met his, obviously not. He looked absolutely terrible. Not only had his cheek swelled from her fists, but his eyes were shot red as if he were recovering from a sleepless hangover. A sense of eerie dread filled her thoughts as she noticed him staring at Imran with anger. His hands were tightened into a fist, whilst his cheek twitched with restrained fury.
The tensed atmosphere seemed clear upon the arrival of her hateful teacher. However for the first time, she was relieved to see the bald man. 'Sorry I was late class, the traffic was outrageous today' he commented as he carried his books and placed them onto his desk. This class always made Geet question Maan's motive in choosing this subject for a unit. For all she knew, he was completing his last year in University, finally about to graduate in his double degree of Business/commerce and law (I know, I'm a stalker. Don't judge me). His life was already settled. He was also taking care of his fathers business on the days he wasn't at University, so why would he choose this subject which was only an elective? He didn't even have to. In fact, English and Literature wasn't even related or relevant to his field of study.
At the stream of her thoughts, she was a fraction delayed in responding to Maan's abrupt and surprising action. Her head whipped towards him in astonishment, as she watched him sit on the seat beside her. Geet's heart lodged into her throat, causing her to tremble slightly in anxiousness. She could not comprehend nor hear the words that were spoken by the tutor, for all that could be heard was her shallowed breathing and the frantic thud of her heartbeat. His masculine presence was far too overwhelming and intimidating to bear. Slanting a look from the corner of her eyes, Geet saw that Maan was staring intently at her paper. Her eyes widened in realization that she had completely forgotten about her artwork. With a desperate gasp, Geet concealed her paper with the palm of her hands. Her sudden movement, caused Maan's attention to divert back to her face, his eyebrows raised in mock amusement. Her face flamed with shame at being caught drawing him, let alone even thinking about him.
Grinning at her flushed face, Maan placed his hands over hers, causing a jolt of electric current to run up her entire arm, bedazzling the functioning of her brain. Grasping her hands into his, he gently eased it away from the concealed page. Shaking his head in open amusement, Maan turned the page over and began to draw a picture as well. Geet bit her lips as she tried to make sense of what he was trying to draw. Maan's forehead was marred in concentration, completely absorbed in his art work. Eventually with a victorious smile, Maan slid the paper towards her. Geet eagerly scanned the page, her jaw dropping at what her eyes beheld. Maan had drawn a horrendous sketch of her face, overemphasizing on the size of her eyes. 'My eyes aren't that big!' Geet hissed through her teeth, glaring at his grinning face with hateful contempt. Maan mimicked Geet's face, widening his eyes as if it were about to pop out from his face. 'Really?' he mused sarcastically.
Geet opened her mouth, prepared to give him a piece of her mind, but her words were instantly forgotten the second Maan held her hands in his possessive grasp. 'What are you d-doing?' Geet stammered, looking around the room, hoping that no one saw Maan's actions. Once again, her eyes met Imran's, whom was now furiously glaring at Maan. Feeling like a trapped mouse, Geet looked from one man to the other. Both were staring at one another, as if silently communicating with their eyes. Maan's facial expression was filled with smugness and arrogance, whilst Imran helplessly tried to conceal the hurt from his face. Oh hell no! Geet thought to herself in anger, Maan was using her to spite Imran. Annoyed at her slow brain, Geet dug her nails into his hands, but to her dismay, he seemed oblivious to the pain. 'Let go of me!' Geet whispered frantically. 'What did I do?' Maan replied innocently. 'I abhor your touch' Geet hissed, 'everything about you revolts me!'. The humorous spark in Maan's eyes instantly died out, upon hearing her words. His expression had blanked out, as if he were reminiscing on an unpleasant thought. For only a second, Geet was able to see the vulnerable side of him, which he had covered with a devilish mask. Feeling guilty for her unthoughtful words, Geet was on the verge of apologizing, only to be cut off by the teachers question.
'Geetakshi!' the tutor shouted in annoyance, 'have you been paying attention to anything that I have said?' Geet almost jumped off her chair in fright, 'S-sir, I apologize f-for'
'You asked the class to write a poem of your own chosen theme' Maan stated in a bored tone.
'I did not ask you Mr Khurana' the tutor stressed out, 'but since you answered the question, I'd like Geet to read out the poem that she has COMPLETED for todays task'.
'Actually' Maan cut in again, 'I read Geet's poem and it's really good. In fact with her permission, I'd like to read it to the class on her behalf'.
Maan did not even bother to ask her about her non existent poem, but instead commenced reciting words that had not been written by either of them. His voice was loud and clear, as he stared at his drawing of Geet.
The saddest poem if there were ever to be
would be based on the fact that you look right through me.
Of all the years that passed, I shall forever continue to wonder.
Did you ever see me the way I saw you?
Whilst uttering the poetic words, Maan looked up from the page and stared directly at Geet's surprised face.
Did you ever look at me, the way I've always looked at you?
Did you ever love me, the way I have loved you?
His eyes warmed up at the sight of her face, indirectly confessing all of his feelings through the excuse of a poem
I glance upon your fair face, smiling radiantly - ever so beautifully.
And my questions were answered.
For when I glance at your direction
I watch you not watching me.
Geet returned his stare, breathless and in a trance. For she could have sworn that she saw something sincere flicker in his intense eyes.
I feel the heartache penetrating in my soul as you continue to ever so slowly
look right through me.
That being said, Maan grabbed her papers and stormed out of the room, shaking with all the pent up feelings he had for her. Before, slamming the door shut, he looked over his shoulder and pinned the tutor with a furious stare. 'I think you should be the one taking this class, for your ability to pronounce a simple 4 letter name is ridiculous. Her name is GEET, not anything more, or anything else. Repeat the mistake again, and you may as well say goodbye to your career. And that' Maan emphasized, 'is Maan Singh Khurana's promise'.
******
The week went by in a haze, I did not have the appetite to eat, nor the energy or motivation to concentrate on my studies. His poem was the only thought that I had in mind, it was the only words that I could speak of. From Monday onwards, I had not caught a single glimpse of him. Everyday I had come home, only to lie in my bed for several hours, doing absolutely nothing but think about him. If necessary, I would bite on a snack or two and immediately return to my bed, seeking comfort in the warmth of my blanket. At last, unable to block myself from the social world, I tried signing into my Facebook account through my phone. I frowned as Facebook rejected my password, claiming that it was incorrect. 'What on earth' I muttered, 'I don't remember changing my password.'
I dialed Pinky's number and waited for her to pick up her phone.
'Hello?' Pinky answered eventually.
'Hi Pinky, it's Geet' I replied, 'Oi did you change my password?'
'um no' Pinky responded after a second of silence.
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion, 'are you sure?'
'Of course' Pinky chirped in, 'don't you trust me?'
Geet sighed, 'of course I do Pinks'.
'Anyway I was just about to call you!' Pinky mused enthusiastically. 'Your not going anywhere tonight right?'
'Nope, why did you want to do something tonight?'
'Yeah let's go out to a restaurant for dinner or something'.
'Well I have nothing better to do' I agreeably replied.
'Alright cool! Wear something formal though' Pink requested.
'Define formal' I asked.
'Either like a cocktail dress or a really formal sari' Pinky described.
'This must be a really fancy restaurant' I stated in uncertainty.
'Yeah it is. Your not allowed to enter unless you fit the codes of clothing and appearance' Pinky replied. 'Anyway I'll pick up at 7:30'.
I hanged up and checked the time. 'Damn! Only three hours to get ready'. I rushed to my wardrobe and frantically went through my clothes. 'Why the hell do I have so many casual clothes!' I complained, digging in through the piles of clothing. Eventually I found a white, transparent sari and grimaced in remembrance of that party I once was forced to wear this too. Wearing this outfit meant that I had to straighten my huge mass of curls, so that it could at least conceal most of my bare back. I let out a groan, realizing that I could not allow myself to eat as much tonight. This sari unfortunately also showed my stomach too, which meant that even sucking in all my organs would not be enough. I patted my empty flat stomach, 'great! Now I don't feel like eating'. I mean it's not like everyday that your stomach welcomes you in a flat and attractive manner. The body was PURELY evil. The days when I plan on having a hair cut, my hair would be surprisingly pretty and actually quite perfect. The hair would whisper 'don't cut me. I'm so pretty today.' Just like my stomach was currently saying 'don't eat, I'm so flat today'.
Oh well, this will have to do. I placed the outfit onto my bed and sprinted into the bathroom to have a shower.
******
As soon as Pinky hanged up, she quickly dialed Imran's number. 'Hi Imran it's Geet's friend Pinky' she began, 'I called Geet and she's definitely coming to the party tonight. See you then!' Pinky disconnected the phone and smiled in contentment. Everything was going according to plan. Geet and Imran's love story was officially beginning from tonight. Poor Maan, Pinky mused to herself, he will be heart broken when he sees Geet and Imran together. But then again, it was his fault for falling for the wrong friend.
******
'Are you sure this is a restaurant?' Geet asked as she openly considered the huge building. 'It looks like a formal reception'. Pinky tugged on Geet's elbow urging her to walk up the impressive staircase, 'Well it is a reception hall, that has food inside'. Geet stopped in her tracks, 'Pinky we can't just walk into any random persons reception party and eat their food' she snapped in anger. 'It is not any random party' Pinky replied, 'Maan's father has held a huge party for his son in celebration to his success in establishing an international deal'. Geet's mouth dried up in panic, 'but what has this party got to do with us?' she replied in frantic haste, 'he did not personally invite us'. Pinky rolled her eyes at Geet's reaction, 'It's basically an open party, anyone that's acquaintances are free to come. And plus Imran invited both of us to specially come'.
'I'm sorry Pinky, but I cannot go.' Geet turned around and was about to head off when a hand grasped her wrist, preventing her from leaving. Geet looked over her shoulder and saw Imran dressed in a black suit, standing behind her. 'It was my personal request for you to come tonight. Please don't deny me my wish' he asked sincerely. Geet was dumbfounded and at a loss of words. 'Look Imran, I appreciate -'
'Please Geet' Imran pleaded, 'just this once'. Letting out a reluctant sigh, Geet nodded in agreement, desperately trying to muster up a kind smile. Imran let out a breathtaking smile, his green eyes sparkling brightly in happiness. Like a typical gentleman, Imran offered his elbow and muttered 'at your service madam'. Geet smiled and wrapped her arm around his elbow, 'thank you kind servant'. Imran let out a chuckle, allowing Geet to laugh comfortably in response. Pinky followed them up the staircase, inwardly happy at tonight's events.
As they entered the ballroom, Geet took in the countless familiar faces and consequently felt herself relaxing a tad bit. 'You look absolutely beautiful by the way' Imran whispered into her ear. Geet blushed, she did not have to be told that she looked nice today, for all the appreciative glances she got from the men was enough for her to realize that. 'Care to dance?' he asked with a hopeful smile. Geet shook her head, 'I really don't know how to dance that well'. Imran dismissed her denial, 'bullocks'. He steered her towards the dance floor and began to sway at the tune of the music. Geet felt extremely awkward and stiff, aware that everyone in the audience was watching them. As he twirled her around, for a second, Geet noticed Maan sitting at the bar, drinking whilst staring at them in silence. Her heart skipped a beat, as she had not laid eyes on him for a whole week. He was dressed impeccably as always, entirely in black.
Geet's attention diverted back to Imran, as one of her class peers tapped onto his shoulder, asking for the next dance. Imran kissed Geet's hand and walked off, as she once again swept into the arms of another, dancing away. Time to time, she noticed that Maan's face had darkened in anger, and his cheek was twitching in monstrous rage. To her horror, she also realized that he was getting drunker by the second. Eventually, he got up from the bar and stalked towards the dancing couple. Geet stiffened in fear, afraid that he was about to make a scene. Sensing the violence pulsating within every fiber of his soul, Geet finished off the dance, excusing herself that she was quite tired. Her partner bowed, murmured his thanks and walked away, leaving Geet in the midst of other dancers, utterly alone. She was about to leave, when Maan grasped her arms painfully. 'You are willing to dance with everyone yet you dare to refuse me?' Geet trembled in dread, 'Maan your drunk. You don't know what your saying'. In response, he pulled her towards him, now grasping both arms with his hands, 'I damn well know exactly what I'm saying'. Geet pushed against his chest, and tried escaping from his anger. But nothing and no one would deter him. Maan once again grabbed hold of her wrists. 'Your hurting me Maan' she whispered, not looking over her shoulder. The song 'Kurbaan Hua' began to play as the lights dimmed. Maan snaked her towards him, compelling her to rest her hands on his shoulder, in order to avoid losing her balance as he twirled her around the dance floor. 'Just like you've been hurting me all of these years' he whispered hotly into her ear, moving her hair away from her bare shoulders. Geet closed her eyes as she felt his fingers glide down her neck, passed her arms, as he gently caressed her bare stomach, eventually snaking his arms around her waist, to twirl her around to face him once again. Their noses were touching, lips only inches away. Geet felt his hands in her hair, running his fingers through the great mass. He then clutched the back of her head and bent her over, until she was almost lying on the ground. She raised her eyes and stared at him, unable to hide her love for him any more longer.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIw2A4McJ7k[/YOUTUBE]
None of them realized that the song had come to an end as they were both lost in each others eyes. The crowd let out a massive applause, the men cheering loudly. Maan broke out of his trance and realized that Imran was making his way through the surrounding crowd with the aim to take Geet away from him. In an angry and drunken fuss, Maan grabbed Geet by the arms and pulled her alongside with him. Stalking his way through the astonished crowd, he paid no heed to anything but the anger pulsating through his veins. 'Let go of me' Geet shouted as she attempted to squirm herself free from his hold. As soon as they were away from the eyes of many, Maan swung Geet around to face him. She sucked in her breath as she found herself dangerously close to him. Their lips were barely an inch away from one another, had she leaned in half a breath, their lips would have touched. 'What do you want?' Geet breathed out, aware of his overwhelmingly masculine presence. Maan gently placed her against the brick wall, letting go of her hand. Raising both arms, he rested them at both sides of her head, trapping her in the middle of his outstretched arms.
Leaning closer and closer, Maan whispered into her mouth ' 'You'. Before she could even squeak out her response, Maan crushed his mouth to hers, slanting his lips savagely across hers. Geet froze with his touch, unable to comprehend how to react. This being her first kiss, she did not know how to retaliate. Instantly, his rough kiss softened as he realized that this was her first kiss. Not wanting to scare her, Maan's lips gentled, as he cupped her cheeks and caressed her face, silently urging her to respond. On a will of her own, Geet found herself wrapping her arms around his neck, brushing the back of his neck with her trembling fingers. She shyly opened her lips a bit, allowing him to have better access. With a groan, Maan broke the kiss, only to press hot scattering kisses onto her cheeks. He tilted her head upwards and began kissing her neck, nipping at her ear lobes with his teeth.
'Oh my god you filthy skank!'
Geet immediately broke of the kiss at the sound of Pinky's voice. Maan turned and faced the intruder, ready to throttle the life out of them. Pinky was standing behind them, her face red with rage. 'How could you stoop so low Geet!' she shrieked, 'I told you so many times to stay away from Maan but you never listened'. Geet looked down shamefully, unable to say a word. 'And instead of listening to YOUR best friend, your out here making out with him! Do you have any shame? The guy who actually cares about is inside waiting for you, and your out here betraying him!'
'ENOUGH!' Maan roared, taking a step forward. 'If you weren't a girl, so help me god, If I had been able to tolerate even a single word from you. Don't you ever call Geet anything. Words like filth and skank suit your personality much better.'
Pinky's eyes teared up as she stared at him in silence. 'Don't think I haven't noticed the way you've always stared at me' Maan sneered cruelly, 'I don't know whether you were contemplating whether to approach me or eat me. Either option disgusts me.'
'Stop it Maan!' Geet snapped in anger, 'You have no right to speak to my friend like that. We have been together since childhood, she is entitled to call me whatever she wants. But I will not tolerate nor stay quiet, as you demean my friend.' Geet turned to Pinky with tears slipping down her cheeks, 'Did you like Maan all this time?' Pinky looked away, refusing to answer. 'Why didn't you tell me at first?' Geet choked out. 'Will it have made a difference!?' Pinky spat out in hatred, 'All my attempts to stop you from liking him went to waste'. Geet shook her head, 'If you had told me once, I wouldn't have ever thought about him again'. 'Hah! So you can pity me? I think not' Pinky responded resentfully. 'Despite my hatred for you, I still tried to set you up with Imran, so you could get OFF MAAN'S CASE!'
Geet's eyes widened, 'what do you mean you tried setting me up with Imran?'
'I was the one who changed your password. All this time I've been talking to Imran pretending to be you, encouraging him to fall for you. I even gave him hope that you also feel the same way. I accepted his proposal to have a relationship with him on your behalf'.
It took several minutes for Geet to register all this into her head. Then without warning, she raised her hands and slapped Pinky with all of her strength. That wasn't enough to satisfy her, so she landed another blow to her face. 'That was my response to your friendship.' Geet stated in a cold voice, 'Goodbye Pinky, it was nice knowing you'. That said, Geet ran to the reception, not allowing herself to dwell at her friends stinging words. Before she could succumb to her tears, Geet had to tell Imran that everything was just a misunderstanding.
Maan watched her retreating figure, still lapsed in a daze. Geet had felt the same way all this time? His knees almost buckled in relief knowing that she never felt the same way for Imran. I've waited for so long. Please don't let this be a dream. And if it is, never allow me to wake up ever again.
****
Geet found Imran in the courtyard, outside the reception. She stopped running and hesitantly made her way towards him. He was holding a rose in his hand, staring at it whilst being lost in his own world. 'Imran' Geet whispered with sadness. At the sound of her voice, he turned around and smiled upon seeing her. 'I was looking at this rose and your thoughts came to mind' he murmured. 'I wouldn't be able to compare your beauty to this mere flower, because it has thorns that will prick you and hurt you forever. But you Geet, your flawless, with no thorns, with no ability to hurt anyone in sight.'
Geet felt choked up with his words. 'You care for me that much?' she asked unbelievably. She so desperately wanted to ease away the misunderstandings, but how could she say anything to hurt him, after being compared to a thorned flower.
To her shock, Imran shook his head. 'Maan cares for you that much, not I'.
'What?' she breathed out in surprise.
Imran sighed and tucked his hands into his pockets. 'Do you remember 17 or so years ago, there was a paddock that you and your other friends discovered. But in fact, a group of boys had actually found that secret hiding place first. You being the group leader had fought with the boys group leader, as to who had the right to claim ownership over the paddock. You guys would often play games, and whoever scored the most points would win the place for good.'
Geet nodded her head as she vividly recalled her childhood memories.
'The group leader was a chubby tall little boy, perhaps only 3 years older than you. He would often tease you, puncturing the tires of your bike, aways chasing you instead of the other girls, always reducing you to tears. However that same mean, cruel bully, was the one who punctured your tires, so that he could walk you home, he chased you because he did not care nor pay attention to anyone else, despite making you cry, he would always try to make you laugh the moment you became upset. Do you remember him?'
'How could I ever forget' Geet whispered in remembrance.
'Then you must remember that fateful day, when that little boy mustered up all his courage to confess his feelings for you. You rejected him, calling him fat and disgusting. After that day you never saw him again. The fat little boy grew up, with an obsession, to have everyone fall at their feet for him. He exercised, he dieted, he forgot what it felt like being a carefree child with no worries or stresses. His only thought was, to make himself good enough and worthy of your love. You met him in University, and although you had forgotten who he was, he still remembered you. He watched you as you passed by, but whenever you looked at him, he would pretend that he never saw you or knew of your existence. Do you know who he is?'
Geet's eyes swarmed in tears, 'Maan' she whispered hoarsely.
Imran nodded. 'I was the little boy in his group, his closest friend, who knew everything about him. I knew that despite being confident and egoistic, Maan was too stubborn to try to win you back. But far more than his stubborn nature, was his fear that you would reject him again. I had no faith in you in making the first move, since it was obvious that you were too shy to even look at him in the eye, lest even talking to him. So I decided the only way I could force him to act on his feelings, was through jealousy. He wouldn't ever be able to tolerate seeing you with someone else, especially if the someone else was me. The only time I almost slipped in my plan was when you started responding to my messages with eagerness and positivity. I was afraid that I had misinterpreted your feelings for Maan, and that you were starting to have feelings for me. But when I was watching you in class and when you noticed me staring, you seemed repulsed by the sight of me'.
'The person who was messaging you on my behalf was Pinky' Geet replied automatically. 'I did not know until tonight that she had selfishly tried to set us both up for her own benefit'.
'Then that explains it all' Imran responded in relief. His relaxed composure instantly stiffened as he noticed Maan making his way towards them. 'It's time for the climax' Imran stated cheekily. 'What do you mean?' Geet asked, still overwhelmed with the fact that Maan had loved her for so many years. 'His coming towards us' he whispered, 'just play along'. Uncertain as to what to do, Geet stood awkwardly before him. Imran edged himself closer to Geet, leaning down several inches away from her face. Geet stared into his eyes with a mask of confusion, unaware of his intentions. 'What are you doing?' Geet breathed out uncertainly. 'Kissing you' Imran replied as he pretended to cover her mouth in a searing kiss. He angled his head in a manner that seemed like he was kissing her, from Maan's perspective. 'This is a trifle awkward' Geet murmured. 'It will be even more awkward once you encounter me being beaten up into pulp' Imran replied. The sound of someone roaring out their anger, caused Geet to jump out of her skin. With a shout, Maan ran towards Imran, tackling him onto the ground.
Geet screamed, watching Maan repeatedly punch Imran's face. Knowing that she was the only one who could stop him, Geet dived into the air and body slammed Maan. With a grunt, Maan tried to pull her off of him before she hurt herself, but she was stubborn, as she wrapped her arm around his throat, almost choking him to death. 'Get...off ...ME' he choked out, completely forgetting about Imran lying on the ground. 'I refuse!' She screamed back. Maan stood up, with Geet still clinging onto his back. She wrapped her legs around his waist and continued to clutch him tightly. 'This is no time for a piggyback ride Geet' he stressed out angrily, 'now get off before you hurt yourself'.
'I'm going to count to three, so help me god if you don't get off by the time I finish counting', he snapped. 'ONE, TWO....'
He was about to count three, when he suddenly felt the back of his shirt getting damp from her tears. All of his anger dissolved, 'are you crying Geet?' he whispered. Hearing his voice, Geet sobbed louder, her body shaking in spasms of tears. 'Geet' he whispered in torment, 'don't cry. I can't see you in tears'. 'Do not be kind to me' Geet cried, 'I don't deserve you'. That being said, Geet slid of his back, as Maan faced her in surprise. 'You've loved me for all these years, and in return what have I given you? Pain and a bitter childhood'.
'Who told you this?' Maan asked. Through broken sobs, Geet recited everything that Imran had told her.
'Damn that guy!' Maan snapped, 'I should wring his neck for almost killing me with jealousy'. Geet hit his arm, 'this is for all the times you had made me cry'. Maan winced in pain, 'you seriously have the most heaviest hands'. Geet laughed through her tears and kicked him in the knee, 'that's for all the times you punctured my tires'. Maan groaned in pain, 'I was the one who had to pick up the bike and carry it with you at the end'.
'And this...is for loving me for all of these years despite my flaws, despite my hurtful words, and despite my vanity'. She lifted his hands and pressed a kiss on knuckles, 'I'm so sorry' she whispered, 'so sorry'. Shaking his head, Maan wiped her tears away and placed a kiss on her damp cheeks. 'I'm sorry for all the tears I've given you and for all the punctured tires'.
'Touche' Geet replied, flinging herself into his arms. He caught her in his grasp, and hugged her tightly in return. 'I love you' she whispered into his ear. Maan's arms tightened around her, 'You can stop sucking your stomach in now Geet, I don't want you to pass out on me'. Outraged, Geet struggled to stay calm in his embrace. 'Your unromantic bully! The least you could have done is responded to my confession'.
'Well you kept me waiting for 17 years, why shouldn't I make you wait another 17 years to hear me say it?' he replied seriously. 'Fine, when you find the time to express your feelings, then please do contact me' she replied sarcastically, prepared to walk out in annoyance. As she walked away, she noticed that Imran was long gone, bless his soul for giving them the privacy they needed. 'Geet' she heard Maan call out her name. 'What?' she asked, inwardly hoping for a confession.
The beauty of my nights and days is from you.
I vow upon my life, my life is because of you.
You alone are my eyes on these empty, lonely roads.
No matter how much distance there is, you are in my arms.
But come in such a way that from here, you will not go again.
When the night dims sometime.
When the moon blossoms sometime.
When the night dims sometime, come into my heart.
When the moon blossoms sometime, come into my heart.
The beauty of my nights and days is from you.
I vow upon my life,
my life is because of you.
Hearing her poem being recited out loud by the very same person whom she had dedicated the poem to was overwhelming. Turning to face him, she watched him standing there, looking at her with all the love reflected in his eyes. 'That was my confession to you' he whispered with a smile. Geet took several steps towards him, only to stop once she was directly in front of him. 'And this is my response' she replied, raising herself on tiptoes, only to kiss the living breath out of his soul.
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