Thanks guys for all the great comments and likes. They are special for first time writers like me as my biggest worry is if readers will be able to connect to the emotions and the story.
Teju – Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I have not planned jealousy currently. But it is definitely on cards later. Some reasons –
a) Maan has been living a very emotionless life for last 4 years. Hence, though girls drool but nobody has any connection.
b) Geet is a critical patient. I will like to believe that nursing and doctor staff will hence not do anything to jeopardize her recovery for somebody they are not really involved with
c) Geet has been there only for 2 weeks and will get discharged very soon.
d) Maan stays overnight to look after her as a family member
Jealousy track will be on cards once, their relationship stabilizes. Also, Maan will once again become a jovial person and hence coworkers will be able to connect emotionally as well with him.
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Chapter 9 – Surprise
12:00 AM
Geet was restless and turning from one side to another. Suddenly she felt shower of something soft. She opened her eyes to rain of flower petals on her face. She got up from bed to see bauji and Maan with big grins on their faces
"Happy Birthday Princess…."
Both said in chorus. There was a small cake with a candle in Maan's hand. They came to her bed and Geet gave a small smile. She was happy at the gesture. She looked at Maan and said jokingly – "Dr Maan, aap ko nahin lagta aap apne dr hone ke privileges ka kuch jayada hi fayda ytha rahe ho".
Maan smirked – Maan Singh Kurana does what he pleases. And right now, I want to eat a cake so why don't you hurry.
Geet blew at the candle and cut the cake. After wishing her again and eating the cake, Rishab went back home whereas Maan as usual settled himself on the visitor's sofa in her room.
Geet couldn't help but think about Rahul. By morning she was really upset and agitated. This was first time that she was not with her twin brother. They have always celebrated their birthdays together even when they were studying in different colleges.
12:00 PM same day
Today, for the first time she regretted her decision of not telling her family about her condition. She was tempted to just call them and cry her heart out. Maan entered the room during his break and saw her lost in thoughts. He could feel her pain and encouraged her to at least wish Rahul.
On the other side Rahul was also missing Geet a lot. He didn't want any party but Pari would not agree. Pari was really angry at Geet for ruining her marriage. She just wanted Rahul to snap out of the worry and gloom. She insisted him to take a day off and for a party. Rahul agreed for a small party in the evening but went to office.
He was half heartedly listening to what was going on in the meeting room. Suddenly his phone rang. It was a landline board number. He frowned and picked up the phone.
Hello…
There was silence on the other side but he could feel familiar breathing sound from the other side.
He whispered…Geet
Happy Birthday Rahul
Happy Birthday Geet. Where are you darling. I am really missing you. Please ghar aaja. Nothing matters. Trust me. Koi kuch nahin bolega tujhe. Tu jo kahegi hum karenge. Bas tu ghar aaja.
Geet was on the verge of tears. Maan squeezed her hand and nodded in encouragement. "Haan main aa rahi hoon. Two weeks mein aa jaungi…main thik hoon…meri chinta mat kar Rahul. Papa, mummy aur Pari ko bhi bol dena. There is nothing to worry. Waise bhi I know my whole family is with me.
Aisa hai to tu batati kyon nahin ki tu kahan hai. Tu bas bol, main abhi aa jaunga tere paas
Mujhe pata hai…par kya hai na …main bore ho gayi hoon tujhse. Isliye, yeh golden chance mila hai tujhe bhi….pehli aur aukhri baar mere bina birthday celebrate karne ka. You can hog all the limelight nahin to sabki aankhen to mujh pe hi rehti hai…hai na
Tujhe mazaak sujh raha hai…yahaan humari jaan nikal rahi hai
Main sach mein thik hoon Rahul..I need to go…u take care and once gain Happy Birthday.
She disconnected the phone before Raul could make her weaker. She hugged Maan and cried in his chest. Maan kept on consoling her and stroked her hair gently. Rishab came and sat with her and decided to spend the entire afternoon with her while Maan went for his rounds.
6:00 PM same day
Geet was trying to be cheerful in front of Rishab but was still missing Delhi. Suddenly a nurse came with a package in her hand along with a note. Geet was surprised but Rishab smiled knowingly. Geet opened the note –
Happy Birthday Geet. This is a small gift from my and dad's side. We both know it is not much but it will mean a lot to us if you will accept it. Your Bauji and Maan.
Geet smiled and opened the package to find a beautiful white color saree with silver embroidery. She thanked Rishab - Bauji bahut Sundar hai. Thank you so much
Maan ki pasand hai. Ab jaldi se pehan lo…He must be on his way.
Lekin abhi? Hospital room mein Saree pehen kar kya karoongi.
Please princess. Mere aur Maan ke liye. Tumhein bhi acha lagega. Geet felt really weird but she didn't want to break their hearts. She reluctantly agreed.
Rishab nodded to the nurse and left the room. Nurse helped Geet in wearing the saree. She also took out a makeup kit and did a light makeup for Geet. (Guys, just imagine kurbaan hua night dress).
7:30 PM same day
Maan knocked and entered the room. He blinked his eyes as he felt an angel was sitting on the bed. Geet looked ethereal in the white saree and open curly hair. Geet shied and blushed seeing Maan stare at her so openly. Maan could just look at her like that forever but his trance was broken when Rishab entered and complimented Geet.
Geet thanked Maan for the beautiful saree. But Maan just smiled. Geet could see mischief in his eyes and looked at him questioningly. Maan just came close and lifter her in his arms. He whispered in her ear – "You are looking beautiful angel" Geet and Maan both felt electric current pass thru their spine. She wrapped her hands around his neck and blushed deep red. Maan said "You remember your 12th birthday".Geet just nodded. "It was unique. We had gone for a picnic at night in the park. I liked celebrating under the stars."
Precap – So what's next
Guys, I was going to have the whole sequence as one part but after writing it came close to 2000 words. So I have broken "the surprise" into two parts instead of compromising on the details. I hope you enjoy both the parts.
Cricket
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