Hello Dear All... I am SOoo SOo Sorry to keep you all waiting to read the fiction. I really got caught up with some, traditional customs to perform, as this is holy month for us Keralites. So, here is Part 21,with a glimpse to their past... Read and Enjoy, and lemme know, ur views about it.
PART 21
Geet was stacking few new stocks, in the five tier display shelves. It was almost closing time and no customers are around. So the five thought of helping Adi's parents with arranging the new stock, in the display shelves and sorting out the rest. Adi, compelled his parents to go back to home, as its getting late and mist is growing more, promising, they will take care of the rest and close down the supermarket that day.
Her friends are sorting the boxes in storage room. Her one leg in the aluminium step ladder and other, comfortably placed in the shelf, humming a song, and swaying her hips lightly, she was keeping the products on the top most shelf.That is when she felt a jerk and before knowing what is happening, she lost her balance and fall back. She gave loud scream, which almost died in her throat out of fear and closed her eyes fearing the outcome… but instead of hitting the ground, she was cocooned in two strong arms. Unknowingly her arms draped around his neck. For few moments, the time stood still… It felt good. Masculine scent evaded her nostrils and her head nestling into the warmth. Few moments went by…
'Uhhh Are you alright?' A deep accented voice spoke.
Her eyes flew open, only to look into deep brunette eyes staring back at her. The world stopped turning… Her heart stopped beating… His eyes bored into hers as his hands tightened… She was unable to tear her gaze from his face, her eyes traced over his features… Thick dark hair, steel brown eyes, a worry line between two thick brows, his lips— so perfectly bow shaped, squared jaw with slight stubble giving him a rugged look. The effect heightened by his broad shoulders and strong arms, which she can feel…
'Miss!'
Some of the knots in her stomach, seemed to unwind as the realization swept through her. Her eyes widened, as she realized, what she was doing, that too in the hands of a total stranger. 'Hey Babaji… What the hell I was thinking? How could I—?' Yet she had to concede that he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Instinctively she pushed herself to upright position from his arms, and stood up. As her eyes focused on him properly, she felt her breath catch. Her lips parted soundlessly, eyes widening. He was absolutely the most handsome man, she has ever seen in her life… There was something about him, which drew her to him… Standing well over, six feet, he towered over her…, strong and extremely well-built.
She felt the world shift around her and resettle… As if something had changed for ever.
He looked amused… A smirk playing in his face as he ran his fingers through his thick dark hair.
'Its ok. You don't have to thank me'.
That instantly broke her trance. Her anger bubbled up from nowhere.
'Oh Please, I would rather chew my hand off than thank you. Its all because of you I fall down!'
He rolled his eyes, becoming annoyed. 'Yeah yeah…! Whatever. Listen girl, just watch your step, 'coz, every time, there won't be someone to catch you'.
Geet scoffed in disbelief. She obviously had the urge to slap him, but kept her hand at her side. Then she thought, 'why the hell, she has to be feared about him'. She pointed her index finger towards him, 'There won't be a next time. And, if you even dare to touch me again, I will show you your place, you—'
Something changed in his face, and the rest of the words caught in her throat. He started forward, walking towards her with a controlled power that made her think of a caged animal. Something told her the animal might break loose at any second, and the thought terrified her, but she forced herself to stand her ground. Her knees were shaking, but she gritted her teeth – she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her cower.
Without warning, he caught her arms, and pulled her towards him, drawing her close to his body. In the sudden force, she almost collided to his chest, her palm flat against his chest and other hand around the shoulder. His one strong arm locked around her waist and other, tightly held her towards him. She fought to remain in control, as new sensations stirred deep inside her. Her breath stuttered in her chest as he put his face close to hers, and she could hear the low rumble in his throat – his eyes were glinting with an alien force.
'You will— what? Show Me…, My place. You want to play rough?' – and it was a low, feral sound that was deeper and harsher than any human voice. There was an energy emitting from him that caused a shiver to run across her skin.
'Because I can be rough'. He drew her from her waist, still more close to him, if its possible, almost crushing her luscious curves against him. That's it, Geet lost all her control.
Smack!
She took all her force and her hand moved faster than her thoughts did. It was pure instinct – the fear, the rage, the pain that throbbed in her heart with each breath, the bitter taste of such an insult… How dare he… How dare he, touch her like this? she couldn't take it anymore. Her palm was stinging and all she could do was look at him. She saw the surprise that registered in his eyes for a fleeting moment, then replaced with a blankness and she wished that she had hit him harder. Something to hurt him the way he had hurt her.
Geet didn't know where she got the mind to slap him – it just happened out of her control, and she couldn't do anything about it. He looked at her intensely, his gaze met hers, and she saw pure fire in his eyes. His lips were set in a firm line, and for a moment a streak of fear ran through her. She backed up a step automatically, her heart pounded. His eyes darkened. And next moment Geet knew, she has played with fire.
Even before, her mind registered his action, he grabbed her, turned her in a swift motion, his hands shoved her back to the side wall and pinned her hands up over her head. His hands warm, hard and strong on her arm, biting into her skin, almost hard enough to bruise. His body pinning her there, fiery hot against her thin T-Shirt. Her br***** crushed against his hard, powerful chest. She opened her mouth to scream, but his lips took hers, and the sound was swallowed by his tongue. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think, lost all her senses. Still she struggled hard against him, but he was too heavy for her to even move an inch.
His fists on her arms were too tight. She wanted to pull away from his warm touch and kiss, but she couldn't move. Her own body betrayed her, tingling in places she had no control. Everything was on fire – her skin was burning, pleasure shooting through her, her ni***** immediately turning into small, hard points. Her mind and body waged war with each other. She was caught between the two poles of desire and self-control.
She was angry at him, hurt and insult and even more confused after what has happened all of a sudden to her peaceful life, but her mind was fuzzy and it was hard to remember what exactly was happening. The bloody memories dimmed. The brush of his stubble against her cheek was intoxicating. His lips were warm, firm yet pliable, and he knew how to use them.
Gradually her struggles began to weaken, and she gave up trying to fight… His grip on her hands loosened. His hands traveled down, from down her arms to the shoulder to the side to her waist, stroking and pinching, locking his arms around her waist, as his tongue filled her mouth, then his other hand went behind her head and angled her as he deepened his kiss. He was pushing his body against hers, and she gasped, and again it was taken by his mouth.Her knees began to give away. She got lost in his kiss, lost to the gentle delights of his mouth... lost in his arms, surrendering to the sensations running through her body.
His lips slipped along her jaw and then down her neck, forcing a moan from low in her throat. She started squirming as the pleasure slowly built in her body. Pleasure shot through her, and she felt herself going all over weak, not able to protest. He raised her slowly, gripping her waist from the floor, crushing her body more to his hard muscles….and her br***** compressed delightfully against his chest as he applied his full weight onto her. She felt his warmth and strength envelop her, overcome her, dominate her…
Ding.
Suddenly her feet were on the ground. She had been panting, she was almost losing herself to him – and then abruptly he dropped her, setting her on her feet and stepping back so quickly that she lost her balance and slumped against the floor. She looked up, bewildered, drunk on kisses with her lips still buzzing…. and he was already walking towards the entrance. She was shocked beyond words, at what has happened.Her previous anger with him returned, and a bubble of pure rage popped inside of her brain. Before she could think, she dashed out into the entrance, her blood boiling.
'You moron, How dare you… how dare you think you can just use me?" she demanded, her voice thick with rage. She was practically choking on it, her thoughts no longer coherent. "You think you can do whatever and walk out, just like you are a saint. Who the hell do you think you are? You're sick!'
He paused, without turning, just said sideways, 'You asked for it.'. His voice was more like a whisper, like he is trying hard to keep it so. Still, he kept his posture the same way.
She was about to retort, when a loud voice made them both, turn and look back.
'Geeet! Her eyes widened when she heard, Adi calling her. 'Oh no! I don't want him to get upset because of this incident. She gathered herself quickly. Wiped her face with her palms, trying to put a control over her bursting rage and emotions…
Adi came running to her, hearing her shouting at someone. She never raised her voice, unless she is too upset. That means, something has terribly gone wrong. He cannot let anything happen to his sweet friend, as she is more like a sister to him. And she is his guest now.
'Geeet… What happened? Are you alright? Why were you shouting like that?
Then only his eyes fall on the, the person standing little away from them. Adi looked at him in awe.
'Bro! – What happened? Is everything alright. Geet, this is my brother, and bro, this is Geet. She is Adi's friend'. Dev and others joined them behind Adi.
Geet looked at them, shocked at this new revelation. She looked from one brother to another.
'Why are you both looking so stricken. Common guys… Geet, to whom were you shouting? He looked around, to see who else is there, but couldn't find anyone other than his brother.
'Uhh… actually, nothing serious. We just had a silly fight.'
That's when she heard his husky voice again, bringing back all the memories of what transpired between them few moments back. If looks could have killed anyone, he would have been sooo dead. He slowly walked towards her, without tearing his gaze from hers, making her inner strength drain…
'Maan... Maan Singh Khurana!'. He extended his hand for a formal introduction, as if nothing happened between them.
She stood rooted to her spot, looking at him, with fire spitting eyes, still overwhelmed with this new, unknown feeling suddenly sweeping through her. She felt helpless and weak, to fight her own inner turmoil and to resist the pull towards him, and the anger and rage at her own actions and this man's audacity.
'Geeet! At least show some sympathy for my Bro..' Dev shook her. He was totally amazed at his brother's action and Geet's dilemma. His brother never used to mingle with anyone, other than family and his business associates. The rest of them, he avoided like plague. And when it comes to girls, he give a damn about them. Now, he himself is introducing to Geet, which took him by surprise, and Dev could clearly see a glint in Maan's eyes, which is quiet unusual. Something has happened between them. But what?
'Ahh..ummm nothing.. I was just… you know…' Geet tried avoiding her eyes from all of them, as she know, one look at her friends, she will broke down. She took a deep breath, braced herself quickly, and looked straight back to Maan's eyes, her chin high, and extended her hands for a hand shake.
'Geet… Geet Handa'. She said with a pride, and hoped sincerely her voice will not betray her.
The instant their palms touched, she felt him stiffened beneath her touch. Their eyes locked, sensed each others body heat… heat so sudden and unexpected that she nearly stumbled back. His grip on her hands become tight, as if to support her. Her breath disappeared from her lungs. She felt vulnerable and exposed, like a hapless gazelle beneath a lion's lazy gaze. She felt the restrained hunger of a well-fed predator who had absolute confidence in his power over her – or any other gazelle. She felt the power emanating off his tanned skin, the virile strength of his lean, muscular body, the power that could bend your mind and senses in way, he wants it to be…
And that was the beginning…
*********************************
He still had that power.
Geet glanced around the men seated at other tables, the men walking by…all of them paled in comparison to Maan. He commanded attention, compelled attention, and she knew she was in a hopeless position, trying to hold him at a distance when he was intent on reclaiming her.
After lunch they strolled down to the playground area where Maan directed that
he and Geet sit on a grassy bank, watching how brave Daksh was at using the slippery dip by himself. Encouraged to show off, Daksh was only too eager to demonstrate to his father how capable he was of using all the playground equipment, which neatly took him out of earshot.
Geet resigned herself to another private conversation with Maan, knowing there was no ultimate way of avoiding it. One way or another, he'd make the opportunity. Besides, her nerves were so on edge waiting for it, she might as well get it over with. They sat side by side, their knees hitched up, arms resting on them, no doubt looking very relaxed together to Daksh, and at least Maan made no move to get closer.
'Let's discuss marriage,' he started without any preamble.
Geet plucked a blade of grass and began slowly shredding it as she struggled to put her thoughts into some kind of sensible framework.
'You've had time to think about it,' Maan pressed.
'I don't know the man you are now,' Geet said truthfully, keeping her focus on the strips of grass.
'Geeet…' He closed his eyes for a moment before continuing. 'I am still the same Maan, you knew once, Geet.'
She did not respond.
'You want more time.'
'Yes.'
'Then you are considering it.'
The satisfaction in his voice stirred rebellion against the pressure he was laying on her.
'There's a hell of a lot to consider, Maan.'
He came straight back with, 'Tell me what's on your mind.'
More pressure.
She slanted him a curious look. 'Have you run the idea of marrying me past your parents, Maan?'
'I didn't discuss it with them, no. I told them flatly that they either accept you as my wife or lose me. And having just lost one son, I don't think they'll be inclined to buck my ultimatum.'
It shocked her speechless. She stared at him, stunned by the starkly drawn stand he had made, the sheer ruthlessness of his planning, and the assumption that they would marry, all laid out as though it was already decided.
'When…' Her mouth had gone so dry she had to work some moisture in it before managing to choke out the question skating through her dazed mind. 'When did you tell them?'
'After I faced my father with your accusation that he'd paid for an abortion,' he said matter-of-factly. 'And the whole truth of what had happened six years ago was finally disclosed.'
Not this past week…much, much before…after coming face to face with her and Daksh for the first time. He'd decided then! Was it to spite his father for keeping all knowledge of Daksh from him—a vengeful act on his whole family for having sabotaged his right to choose whatever woman he wanted in his life?
'Maan, its not as easy as you think, even if, I give a thought about it also, your parents won't want me as your wife,' she stated with utter certainty, hoping in that, way she can delay, the conversation.
A hard relentless pride looked back at her. 'They don't have a choice.'
'I do, Maan,' she pointedly reminded him.
'They will accept you, Geet. They have too much to lose if they don't.'
'I don't want to be involved in your fight with them. I don't want Daksh to be a pawn in your game. He'll feel it. He'll know he's not what they want. You can't force approval from people when they don't feel it inside.'
'This is no game, Geet. Believe me, I'm deadly serious.'
Deadly was right, she thought.
'My parents will love Daksh. Unreservedly,' he pushed on, laying out cogent arguments. 'He's their only grandchild and the only one they'll have if you don't marry me. Dev is dead and his marriage produced no children. The whole future of the Khurana family is now narrowed down to our son.' His smile held a dark wealth of satisfaction as he added, 'That makes Daksh very precious to them.'
A convulsive little shiver ran down Geet's spine. 'Maan NO! Don't put that weight on me or Daksh,' she said alarmed. 'It's not fair!'. She was too afraid to think about the advancement of matters.
'I think it balances the scales very nicely. You should feel it does, too, Geet.'
She shook her head.
'You're taking advantage of your brother's death. For all the wrong he did to me and to you, it doesn't make this right. Nothing can make this right.'
It was incredibly painful to say it but she truly felt the alternative would cause even more pain.
'You should marry someone else…leave Daksh and me out of it.'
Maan stared at her speechless. He was too stunned to say anything. Its true, in past he has made mistakes, but, as far as a marriage is concerned, sharing his life with a women is concerned, only one name was always there— Geet. Then how can she say this so easily.
'Geeet…No!. How could you even… I won't, Geet.' In a soft, insidiously invasive voice that curled around her heart, demanding entry, he added, 'You're the only woman I've ever loved…or will love.'
She jerked her head away, frightened of showing how deeply it touched her when
she hadn't realised herself how much it would mean.
He must have interpreted it as a negative reaction. With barely a pause he spoke in a much harder tone, determined possession underlining every word.
'And Daksh is my son!!!.'
**************************************
Sooo Friends... how was this part. Did it, meet up to your all expectations. I was sooo confused, of presenting the past to you all,as its the main turn of events in their life... I am not sure, whether you all liked their way of meeting. The part of Maan, from his point of view, about their first meeting, will come in coming episodes. Let me know about your reviews and opinions thru comments and hit the like, to show me, how much you all liked it. Plsss...
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