FF-Tum Kaun Ho (Chapters45-70) - Page 74

Tum Kaun Ho?

A Maaneet Fan Fic

Chapter 65

I'm your brother. It's my right to treat you any way I like.

No, let me go, please let me go. Don't touch me!

There's no point in struggling. No one is here to save you.

I'll tell everyone. I'll tell.

Go ahead. Who do you think will believe you?

Let me go. Maan! Maan! Save me!

He isn't coming. No one will come. No one will be able to find you. We've done our job too well. Don't think that you'll be able to phone for help. I've got your iPhone right here.

Well, sis, is that duct tape too tight?

Let me go. Let me go.

Oh, you will go. Eventually. After all, if you stay alive, what will happen to my Naintara? With you gone, everything she deserves will be hers.

Maan! Please!

Now, it really is pointless to keep calling for him. Why would he come for a girl like you, with no background and nothing to offer but pain? You couldn't even take care of his nephew properly.

You leave JD alone!

Oh, he is alone. Death is a lonely place. In due time, you will experience that yourself. We will make sure of that. There is no escape for you.

May 30, 2011 4:45 am

"Maan!" cried Geet, bolting straight up, looking around her room wildly, disoriented from her nightmare. She then glanced at the clock by her bedside and realized that it was early morning.

Now that she was awake, she realized that the horrible images and sensations she had experienced were only a dream. That realization did nothing to ease her erratic emotions. Everything that had happened her whole life always seemed to included more pain than anyone ever deserved. Would she ever be able to truly enjoy a happy life, or will she keep having to suffer the rest of her life? Was it fair to inflict her sorrows on those around her?

May 30, 2011 6:45 am

Geet looked at the time again, and realized that she hadn't slept at all since she woke two hours ago. No matter what she did, she could get rid of thoughts spurred by her nightmare. Deciding that she might as well get up, she threw back the covers and went about getting herself ready, not for the day, but at least for breakfast.

It was slightly earlier than she usually got up, but not enough to make a difference. Yes, it was a holiday, but little boys didn't pay much attention to holidays. In fact, they always seemed to want to get up extra early, at least, JD did. She thought about what he might like for breakfast, and decided to make his favorite blueberry and chocolate chip pancakes.

Geet went about her typical activities almost on autopilot. She was so distracted that she measured out salt, instead of sugar at one point, causing her to have to throw out what was in the bowl and start again. Trying to shake off her preoccupation, she carefully paid attention to what she was doing, not wanting to ruin another batch.

As she was stirring up the batter, Maan came into the kitchen, requesting a glass of water. The sweat pouring off him was clear evidence that he had been exercising. Usually the sight him in his workout clothes, the dampness reflecting light off his firm muscles, made Geet instantly go week at the knees. But this time, in her preoccupation, she barely gave him a glance.

Oblivious to her distracted state, Maan strolled over to the counter, wrapped one arm around her waist, and pulled her close, kissing her cheek. "Good morning, my beautiful Mishti."

"Hmmm," was her response.

Maan frowned slightly at her less than enthusiastic reaction. "Geet, is everything alright?"

"Hmmm," again.

"Geet, I can clearly tell that something is bothering you. What is it?"

"No, Maan, nothing is bothering me." The dull manner in which she gave her answer did not convince Maan in the slightest.

"Geet," he said sternly, taking the bowl from her hands and putting it on the counter. Then turning her towards himself, he said firmly, "I know that there is something wrong. Tell me the truth now, what is the problem?"

Geet's lips trembled a bit before she blurted out, "Maan, I think we should postpone the wedding."

"What!"

"Yes, I..."

"Oh, excuse me. I didn't realize I would be interrupting an intimate moment so early in the morning," said Naintara, who had come into the kitchen without hearing what the conversation was about.

Geet pulled away from Maan, embarrassed, asking, "Di, did you need anything?"

"I wanted to make some tea, and see about getting some breakfast for Meenal. What are you making?"

Geet explained what she was making and where the tea things were kept in the kitchen. Besides making tea, Naintara offered to help with the pancakes. Maan hovered in the background for a while before leaving the kitchen frustrated. Honestly, he was fond of his bhabhi, but right now he could happily strangle her. Geet just dropped a huge bomb on him, and Naintara's presence immediately afterword left no chance for him to discuss things with her.

May 30, 2011 8:01 am

Geet tried to ignore Maan's angry gaze as she went about serving breakfast. She knew what she had said earlier upset him, but it couldn't be helped. Since they couldn't talk about anything in front of the rest of the family, Geet tried to distract herself by listening to the conversation Dadi and Naintara were having.

"So, I guess Annie's parents came for a visit, and her mom will stay, so Arjun's going to be flying out here in a day or two. He just has to get things squared away at work. In the mean time, he's going to search for a lawyer for Maa."

"It will be good to have him here," said Dadi. "That way all the burden won't be on you. Let me give you our lawyer's number. He may be able to give Arjun some good recommendations."

"Thanks, Dadi. No, Meenal, we don't throw food at our brothers. Not this one, or the one back home. JD, you shouldn't encourage her!"

"I can't help it, Tayi. She's too cute," said JD as he popped one of the Cheerios Meenal had tossed at his face in his mouth, before making silly faces at her.

"JD, settle down and eat your pancakes, please."

"Yes, GT."

"Naintara, we've all been invited to the Jacobsen's for a barbecue today. They've included you in that invitation."

"Yes, I know, Geet told me."

May 30, 2011 9:55 am

"Maan, given the current situation, it would be better not to have the wedding now. You must agree."

"No, I don't agree. I don't understand how such an idea could have entered your head."

"Maan..."

"Geet!"

"Well, would you believe after two kids and how many years, I can still fit into these jeans. I think I look quite good, actually...Well, it seems I've interrupted once again. I didn't mean to become your personal kabbab mein haddi."

Naintara was joking of course, but when she saw that Maan and Geet didn't react in a like manner, she observed them more closely. From their body positions and posture, she could tell that they were both upset. The look on their faces confirmed it.

"Okay, what's going on?" Seeing Geet look around nervously, and Maan's face getting more and more stern, Naintara repeated her question.

Finally, Maan gave into her demand and replied, "Geet wants to postpone the wedding."

"What? No! For what reason?"

"Di, how can you ask for what reason? How can we have a wedding now, after everything that has happened? Weddings are supposed to be happy occasions, but can we really be happy? Can you be happy, with your mother in ja..."

"Geet, you've got to be crazy! Are you actually thinking of postponing your wedding, just because my mother is a pyscho? Someone who you never knew, and who only wished you harm?"

Geet looked down sadly at the hands she was wringing in her lap at Naintara's words. Maan viewed his bhabhi with satisfaction, pleased that her reaction was the same as his. If Geet wouldn't listen to him, maybe she would listen to her di. Naintara sat on the couch next to Geet and placed her hand on her shoulder, turning so they faced each other.

"Geet, the question you need to ask yourself, is can I be happy if my best friend doesn't get married to the love of her life? Can I be happy if I am in any way responsible for bringing pain to the family?"

"No, Di, what are you saying? You could never bring us pain."

Naintara looked at Geet very sternly. "If that is true, then I intend that this wedding should go forward. I will not let you postpone it, not at any cost! Now that I'm here, I will work with Dadi on all the arrangements, and I don't want to hear the word postpone again! Samjhi tum?"

May 30, 2011 12:45 pm

"Di, Will and Melanie know about the kidnapping, but they don't know that it was your mother. I thought it would be easier for you if we didn't say anything about it outside of the family. All they know is that you're Dev's wife and have come to help."

"Geet, I appreciate the consideration, and it will be nice not to have to answer any questions, but I want you to do something else for me."

"Of course, Di, anything."

"I want you to forget about everything that's happened and try to have a good time. It's been over eight years since I've been to an American barbecue, and I want to have fun."

Maan was a party to Geet and Naintara's whispered conversation as they walked up to the Jacobsen's front door, and he was grateful for it. He also felt that what Geet really needed was to forget the recent events and enjoy the good side of life again. He intended to do everything he could to put the smile back on his Mishti's face.

May 30, 2011 4:26 pm

"Hey, GT, you're not dancing. You wanna dance with me?"

Geet wasn't really feeling in the mood to dance, even to the upbeat music echoing around the Jacobsen's backyard. However, she couldn't do anything but give into his request in the face of his ernest, little face. They dance for awhile among the other guests, JD jumping around crazily, more than anything. Soon the music changed to a slower pace, and Naintara came along, asking JD if he would dance with her.

"Alright, Tayi," said JD, "but who will dance with GT?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe Uncle? He's standing right over there."

JD turned around, his eyes widening dramatically. "Uncle, you come dance with GT!" he exclaimed, before running over to Naintara, taking her hand.

Maan shook his head at the theatrics of his nephew as he quickly made his way toward Geet before she could escape. Seeing the narrowed eyes she focussed on him, Maan wondered if she figured out that he asked Naintara and JD to stage the whole dance thing. He had a feeling that if he requested her to dance, she would come up with some excuse, like taking care of Meenal, so Naintara could enjoy. However, he knew she wouldn't be able to resist JD, hence the setup.

Not wanting Geet to have time to come up with any excuses, he quickly pulled her into his arms, spinning her around and dipping her low, before pulling her slowly and seductively up and into his chest. He had seen her efforts to remain in the background, participating as little as possible, despite Naintara's request when they arrived. Their body's were so in tune, that Geet was effortlessly able to follow his movements, despite her distraction.

It was this distraction that caused Maan to worry. He worried that regardless of the promise she gave Naintara not to talk of postponing the wedding, that her mind was still thinking along those lines. Whatever it was she was thinking, he knew it was causing her unhappiness. Maan could not see his Mishti unhappy, therefore, he determined to discover what was the cause behind it all.

Tum Kaun Ho?

A Maaneet Fan Fic

Chapter 66
May 30, 2011 10:05 pm

After putting JD to bed, saying goodnight to Dadi and Naintara, Maan possessed himself of Geet's hand, and guided her through the halls of the mansion, out the back and onto the terrace. Geet had protested that it was late, but Maan insisted, saying that they should enjoy the nice weather while they could, as more rain and storms were predicted to hit Chicago in the coming week. When they reached the terrace, Maan let go of her hand, and wrapped one arm around her waist instead. She hesitated for a moment, before placing her own arm around him and her head on his shoulder.

Now that they were truly alone, Maan went about his gentle interrogation. "Geet, I want you to tell me what is troubling you, and don't tell me it is nothing. I know you too well to believe that. I've noticed your distracted behavior the entire day, not to mention your ridiculous idea to postpone the wedding. Now, tell me what the matter is."

When she didn't answer him, Maan turned slightly, and using his free hand, gently forced her face up so their eyes met. "Geet, what happened? You seemed fine yesterday, well as fine as one could be, I suppose. Did something happen when you were talking with Naintara. Did she say something that upset you?"

When Geet shook her head no, Maan couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh. "I know something must have happened. I'm not going to stop asking until you tell me. You can tell me, Geet. You can trust me with anything."

"I know," she said, her voice trembling. "I know, I just...I..."

"Go on."

"Last night...I...it was so scary and..." the tears began to fall, "they kept saying that you wouldn't come...and...that I could only give you pain and...I didn't take care of JD..."

"Who said this?" came the harsh question.

"Br...Brij and Di's m...m...mom." At this point, Maan realized that it wasn't something that someone had said to Geet that was the problem, it was her own inner demons.

"Geet, did you have a nightmare last night? Is that where they told you all these things?"

Geet could only nod as the tears fell harder and her sobs became almost uncontrollable. Maan couldn't bare to see her in such a desperate condition. He pulled her into a tight embrace, cradling her head and murmuring softly, attempting to calm her down. He thought back to the night he found out the truth about her past, how she said she was broken and would always be a victim. He realized that the things she had lived through would always be there, waiting to strike when she was vulnerable. Maan knew he would have to be careful, that she needed him to comfort her and be the voice of reason.

"Geet, is this nightmare what prompted you to suggest postponing our wedding?" Again a nod. "Geet, I would never belittle your feelings, but your thinking is all wrong. I'm sure this dream was a manifestation of your insecurities about your importance in the Khurana family, and I want, no I need you to believe that you are important. Extremely important. You do a fabulous job of looking after JD, you know he absolutely adores you. As for giving me pain, nothing could be further from the truth. My life is only full of happiness, only worth living, because of your presence in it."

In spite of his reassuring words, Geet did not look convinced, so Maan continued. "Geet, think carefully for a moment. If you left, if you went away from us, do you think we could ever be happy again? Could you be happy? No, right? So, how could it be right to consider postponing the last step needed to officially become a family?"

"But..."

"I won't listen to any buts. I just want you to remember something."

"What?"

"I want you to remember the last time you spoke of leaving. What did I say I would do if you left?"

"You said you would follow me wherever I went."

"That's right. I will always come for you Geet. Always. Don't ever forget it."

May 30, 2011 10:36 pm

"Maan, what are you doing? You can't come in here."

"Oh, I think I can. Not only I can, but I must, as I have to rectify a mistake."

"What mistake?" Geet asked, confused.

"The mistake of me leaving you alone at night," replied Maan as he closed the door to her room.

"But, you only did that because you..."

"Because I was concerned for your safety. Well, I'm still concerned for your safety. I leave you alone for one night, and look what happens. You have a terrifying nightmare. Well, from now on, I will be staying the night with you, and if you have any more nightmares, I will be right here to comfort you."

"But..."

"Geet, you and your buts. Just get your nightclothes and go change in the bathroom. I'll make up a bed for myself on the couch."

Geet knew she really aught to protest his presence in her bedroom, but she couldn't get the words out. Somewhere she was secretly relieved that he would be their with her, ready to give his support if she needed. Feeling drained out by the events of the long weekend, she gave in without any more fighting, grabbing her clothes and heading to the bathroom to change.

June 2, 2011 8:08 am Chicago, 8:38 pm Delhi

"Harsh, I'm really glad that Tayi is here, 'cause I think that GT needs her. You know some bad person tried to hurted GT, but the police saved her. I think she feels bad about it. She doesn't smile so much anymore."

"I know, Daddy told me what happened after Mom left. He said that was the reason she came to visit early."

"Harsh, what do I do so that GT smiles like she used to?"

"I don't know. You need to do something nice for her. Daddy always makes breakfast for Mom, when he wants to do something nice. He says eating breakfast in bed makes her feel pu..pum...pampered. You should do that for Tayi."

JD grinned at his cousin before frowning. "But, I can't even pour milk on cereal without spilling. How can I make breakfast for GT?"

"Ask Mom to help."

"Ask Mom to help with what?" questioned Naintara, as she walked into Geet's office, seeing her son and nephew talking to one another through Skype.

"Mom, JD wants to make breakfast for Tayi."

"As a surprise," added JD.

"Yeah, as a surprise. Will you help him?"

"Sure. We can do it tomorrow, but you'll have to get up early, for it to be a surprise."

"That's okay," said JD, happy with his plan to cheer up his GT.

"So, Harsh, are you being a good boy for Daddy?"

"Of course."

"And do you miss Meenal and me?"

"Well..."

"You don't miss us?" asked Naintara, faking hurt.

"No, Mom, I miss you." Harsh gave a wry smile. "I even miss Meenal. Even if she likes to get slobber all over everything, I still miss her."

"Well, it's just a few more days, and then you and Daddy will get to fly here too. I know everyone is excited to see you."

"Yeah, Harsh, when you come we will get to play all day!"

June 3, 2011 7:00 am

"Tayi, do you think GT will like the toast and scrambled eggs?"

"I'm sure she will. She makes this for you for breakfast sometimes, doesn't she?"

JD nodded, smiling happily at the thought of presenting his hard earned efforts to GT. He did everything just like Tayi told him too, and the food turned out good. Now, Tayi was carrying up the tray, and he was responsible for carrying the glass of orange juice. He was being very careful not to spill, especially when they went up the stairs.

When they arrived at the room, JD carefully held the juice in one hand, while turning the door knob with the other. He then pushed open the door and walked inside, calling out, "GT, I made you breakfast in bed!"

JD's yell caught Maan and Geet by surprise, as they were expecting the household to still be asleep. Maan, having just given Geet a kiss on the forehead before leaving, was standing by her bedside. Geet had just thrown off the covers a moment before that and was planning to use the bathroom quickly before going down stairs. Both of them looked at JD and Naintara standing in the doorway, with a mixture of shock and horror.

"Uncle, what are you doing here?" asked JD with typical childhood innocence.

"That's a very good question. What are you doing here, Veerji?"