FF-Tum Kaun Ho (Epilogue) - Page 22

Tum Kaun Ho?

A Maaneet Fan Fic

Chapter 79
July 7, 2011 11:50 am

"You look so beautiful, Beti," said Dadi, walking up behind Geet as she sat at her dressing table waiting for the stylist to complete the finishing touches. "If only Maan's Dada were alive to see this day. I know he would be as happy as I am."

"Dadi, if you're so happy, then why are you crying?" asked Naintara with fake innocence.

"These are happy tears, of course."

"Well, we don't want any tears, happy or otherwise. After all, nothing is changing. Geet was already part of the family. We're just making it official now."

"Dadi, don't pay any attention to Di," said Geet, who gave the grinning Naintara a glare. "You can cry if you want."

"Do you know the reason for my years? Maan might be my grandson, but you are like my daughter. I'm so happy that you found a life partner who you love so much, and who loves you too. This is what every mother desires for her daughter." Geet stood up and hugged Dadi, tears forming in her own eyes.

"See? This is why I didn't want any crying. It was sure to set Geet off and ruin her makeup," complained Naintara.

"It's not too bad," observed Dadi, grabbing a tissue and dabbing under Geet's eyes. "Now, no more time for tears. It's time for all of us to get ready to leave. You know it takes about half an hour to get to Armour House from here."

Dadi picked up Geet's ghoonghat, and with Naintara's help, pinned it so that it laid just right. The traditional veil was draped low enough that it covered Geet's eyes, but being see through, could do nothing to hide her beauty. Dadi touched her finger to the corner of her eye, and then behind Geet's ear, blessing her that no evil eye should ever fall upon her beloved daughter.

July 7, 2011 11:55 am

"Hello? Dev, why are you calling me? Yes we're just getting into the limousine. What? Hello?" Naintara looked at her phone, not sure what to make of the muffled conversation.

"Naintara!" came the loud squawk after a few seconds.

"Veerji? What is going on? Well, why would she have her phone, we're just leaving. Veerji, you really need to learn some patience. Yes, everything is perfectly fine. No, I will not hand her the phone. Now, I'm cutting the phone, because I have to put your adorable niece into her car seat. Bye!" Maan's Bhabhi looked at her phone incredulously, before turning to Geet.

"Geet, honestly, Veerji is almost certifiable. He gets this crazy when he can't see or speak to you for a few hours, and you're not even married yet!"

July 7, 2011 12:58 pm

"I've gotten some great pictures of the bride, Ma'am. Now I'm going to see about capturing some good moments of the baraat."

The photographer's words sent a thrill through Geet's body. For the last twenty minutes all they had been doing was posing for video and pictures, even enacting some scenes, like walking down the beautiful staircases, as if she was going to the ceremony. Now the time had arrived for the day's rituals to officially start. Unable to stop herself, Geet ran to a window looking out over the front of the large property, hoping to get a glimpse of her groom.

July 7, 2011 1:05 pm

"Uncle, this is really fun!" cried JD above the noise of the drums and trumpets that the people below them were dancing to. "How come GT doesn't get to ride a horse like us?"

"GT is the bride," answered Maan in JD's ear. "She has to wait for us to come to her."

"Uncle, how come you have those flowers on your face? No one else is."

"It's traditional, just like the clothes we're wearing."

"Why?"

"I don't know why. You'll have to ask Dadi."

"Alright. Daaadiii!" JD called, trying to climb down off the horse.

"Whoa!" Maan grabbed JD just before he slid off, and held the boy tight. "Ask Dadi later, not now. Your GT would kill me if you fall off and get hurt. Stay on this horse until I tell you different."

July 7, 2011 1:10 pm

Geet could see the procession nearing and Maan and JD sitting on the horse. Her heart had leap into her mouth when she had seen JD almost fall off, but Maan's quick reflexes had prevented any disaster. She couldn't help but laugh as she saw Maan chastise JD a little bit. When Maan looked up at the window she was standing at, he whispered in the little boy's ear, before pointing in her direction. JD looked up smiling and waving, prompting Geet to wave back. She then tried her best to keep back the tears as she saw the two loves of her life approaching the front entrance.

When the horse came to a stop, Dev walked over and held his arms out to take JD from Maan's strong embrace. Then Dev and Arjun each grabbed one of Maan's hands and helped him down as well. The entire group walked forward where Dadi, Naintara, and Pinky, who was holding little Meenal, were waiting to welcome the groom with a traditional pooja.

July 7, 2011 2:20 pm

Maan sat in his chair at the mandap, watching the last few guests finding their seats through his sehra, doing his best to stay calm. He didn't think it would make a very good impression if he jumped up and shouted that he wanted Geet brought and the wedding started immediately. Instead, he occupied himself with watching his nephews running around while Adi and Pinky tried to corral them.

"Bro," called Dev, breaking Maan's reverie. "Bhabhi is coming."

Maan looked down the red carpet, past the rows of guests, toward the terrace. As he stood up, in front of his eyes, a vision of loveliness stepped out of the French door, escorted by Dadi and Naintara. Maan could swear that she was glowing, whether it was her love, or the afternoon sun, or a combination of both, he wasn't sure. Unable to help himself, Maan lifted part of his sehra to make it easier to see his bride, causing several people to chuckle at his expense.

July 7, 2011 2:34 pm

Geet had never understood why people would talk about feeling butterflies in their stomach. Whenever she was nervous, she always felt her skin go clammy and her mouth dry up. However, standing next to Maan, holding the varmala, ready to place it around his neck, she finally understood. As she reached up and placed the garland around his neck, she really did feel as if there were thousand of tiny butterflies creating havoc in her stomach. It wasn't a bad feeling, but it was different.

After Maan placed the garland around her neck, he lifted his sehra back completely, taking his first unobstructed look at her. The heat in his eyes chased the butterflies away, and left only a feeling of desire mixed with shyness. With everyone looking on, Geet's response to those feelings was limited to smiling and lowering her gaze coyly. She meekly allowed Maan to take her hand and lead her to their seats.

Following the promptings of the priest, Maan and Geet made the necessary offerings to the sacred fire. When the time came for the Kayadaan, Dadi came forward and lovingly placed Geet's hand in Maan's. Not to be left out, it was Naintara's turn to come forward and tie the Gathbandhan knot. Then, upon the priest's direction, Maan and Geet stood up, ready to take the seven rounds.

They didn't have to, they hadn't even spoken about it, but some how the bride and groom naturally clasped hands as they started their circling. Maan had been unable to take his eyes off Geet, and continued to stare at her, even though he was walking in front. When it was Geet's turn to be first, she couldn't keep herself from looking back at him either.

There was a slight wait after the pheres were complete, while everyone was resituated. Seeing that her husband was still looking at her, Geet leaned over and whispered, "Mr. Khurana, you are up to your naughtiness, even here, in front of all these people?"

"What naughtiness?"

"Looking at me like I'm something to eat."

"Mrs. Khurana, why are you upset about that? Even you are looking at me in the same way."

Geet had no reply to that, but was saved by the next part of the ceremony. The time had come for Maan to adorn Geet with symbols of marriage. Naintara again came up and held Geet's veil and maang tiki while Maan filed her part with sindoor. Then he took the beautiful, delicate mangalsutra and placed it around her neck, caressing her bare skin gently when he was done. Living in America, it was a common custom to exchange rings, which they did as well.

After seeking Dadi's blessing, and that of the other elders, their was just one ritual left. For most brides, it was a sad ritual, representing the necessity of leaving her family behind. For Geet, who had left her family behind years ago, it felt like she was finally letting go of her past as she threw the handfuls of rice behind her. No tears fell down her face, no! Walking back along the red carpet with Maan, as his wife, was something she longed for so much, that Geet felt nothing but joy.

July 7, 2011 5:13 pm

"Okay, I want to take some pictures with the fountain and mandap in the background. If you two will just move right over here. Great! Mr. Khurana if you would put your arms around her waist, and Mrs. Khurana put your arms around his neck...Perfect. Wonderful. Now, lets try one with a kiss."

The photographer had been directing them through various poses and locations for the last half an hour. Geet had no trouble following until he mentioned the kiss. She immediately turned red and tried to pull out of Maan's embrace.

"Geet, what are you doing?"

"Maan, we can't kiss here," she whispered in embarrassment. "Everyone is looking!"

"That didn't seem to bother you two months ago when I came back from France," remarked Maan.

Before Geet could protest any further, Maan dipped her down low, forcing her to put her arms back around his neck for support. The photographer started clicking away, and ended up with some very romantic shots, especially when Maan finally kissed her. Maan could have continued to kiss Geet for some time, but they also needed to pose for pictures with the rest of their family.

July 7, 2011 5:40 pm

The day had been wonderful, and the weather was fairly mild, with a light breeze, but standing out in the late afternoon sun for so many hours had Geet feeling a bit grubby by the end. She was so ready to get out of the clothes she was in and into her dress for the reception. Naintara, Dev and the rest of the family had already gone to change their clothes.

"Where do you think you are going, Mister?" came the question from Dadi that had Maan and Geet turning around.

They both had started walking up the staircase, hand in hand, just talking about how the day had gone. When Dadi asked her question, Geet couldn't understand at first. Then she realized that Maan should have been going in a different direction, to one of the rooms the men were using. She tried to pull her hand out from his, but had no luck.

"I'm going with my wife, of course," answered Maan, looking at Dadi defiantly.

"Oh, no you are not. You both need to get changed, so you just let go of Geet's hand right now."

"Dadi, why do I have to do that? We're married now. There's no problem with Geet changing her clothes in front of me." Geet gasped and put her hand over Maan's mouth in embarrassment.

Dadi just smirked. "Badmaash! None of your bad behavior now, have some decency to wait for your Suhaag Raat. Now, stop embarrassing my Bahu, and go and get changed. Go on!"

Dadi swatted Maan away, like he was an errant child. Geet couldn't help but laugh at the petulant look on his face. Her laughter faltered when he glared at her, clearly promising with his gaze to extract revenge from her. Geet tried to control the shiver of anticipation she felt as Dadi escorted her upstairs. She didn't want to invite any more teasing if she could help it.

July 7, 2011 7:00 pm

As Maan led Geet onto the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife, his heart swelled. He couldn't believe that the beautiful woman in his arms finally belonged to him. It was more beautiful than the most beautiful dream, to be the husband of such an amazing woman. It was more fun too, for he didn't think he had met any woman who he could make blush as easily as Geet did.

"What are you smiling about?" she asked him, as the strains of Teri Ore began playing in the background.

"I'm just thankful that this song is something that I can actually dance with you on. It has a pretty nice melody, actually, thought I am a little disappointed with the choice."

"What do you mean?" Geet asked with a frown.

"I mean," he said slowly, leaning closer to whisper in her ear, "that I would have preferred to dance to 'And I Love Her'. Not only to I like that song, but I have very pleasant memories associated with it, don't you?"

Geet remembered how he had been singing it to her just two nights ago, as well as the rest of his actions. "Again you are being naughty?" she accused, turning bright red.

"What else can I do, when I have the most desirable woman in my arms?" answered Maan, lightly kissing her cheek, before twirling her around in a dramatic move that ended with a low dip.

July 7, 2011 11:10 pm

"Dadi, is it really necessary to do all this?" Maan asked as Dadi greeted him and Geet with aarti at the front door of the Khurana Mansion.

"Maan, stop being so impatient. Of course it is necessary to welcome my new Bahu properly to her home. As it is, we've put off a lot of the fun until tomorrow as it's so late, so I think you can indulge your grandmother in a few of these traditions without pouting like a little boy."

Dadi scolding had all the guests laughing, Geet as well. Maan knew he couldn't argue, so he decided to keep quiet and hope it would all be over soon. Dadi then beckoned them forward so that Geet could tip over the rice pot with her right foot, completing her Grah Pravesh. When that was done, amid all the claps and cheering, Dadi directed Maan to pick Geet up.

Maan was only too happy, but Geet protested. "Dadi, what is this? Maan put me down!"

"No Geet. It's tradition in the Khurana family. When a new bride leaves her handprints on the wall, it is the custom for the groom to carry her."

"But Dadi, he has to take me up the stairs..."

"Geet? Do you think so little of me, that I can't carry you up a few steps?" inquired Maan.

"Come on, Geet. Dev carried me, when we were married. It's tradition," said Naintara.

Geet couldn't argue with everyone, so she kept quiet and let Maan carry her. About half way up to the landing, Maan couldn't resist teasing Geet, and pretended as if he was about to drop her. Geet clung on to him for dear life, until she saw his smirk at her reaction. The only thing that saved Maan from a severe scolding, was the presence of the guests.

Those who could fit on the stairs, did so, the rest of the guests crowded around at the bottom, straining the necks to be sure and see as much as possible. Pinky came forward with a plate of vermillion and held it out for Geet to place her hands in. Then Maan moved closer to the wall so that Geet could leave her prints next to Naintara's. Again, all the guests clapped, the noise waking up JD, who had been asleep in Dev's arms.

"GT, what are you doing in Uncle's arms?" he asked sleepily.

"I'm leaving my handprints, just like Tayi and Dadi did when they were married."

"Oh. I'm sleepy. I want to go to bed." JD held out his arms towards Geet expectantly.

As Maan set Geet down, she looked at her hands, wondering how she could carry JD. Maan took care of her dilemma, taking JD from Dev, and requesting Dadi to get Geet a towel to dry off her hands. Then the two of them went off to put their nephew to bed, with Dev and Naintara doing the same with their own children.

July 7, 2011 11:31 pm

Geet and Maan walked quietly out of JD's room, their hands clasped tightly. Geet shut the door with as little sound as possible, wanting to make sure that JD wouldn't be disturbed by the noise of the guests. When her hand left the knob, she felt herself pulled into a hard chest. Glancing up at Maan, she smiled softly as she read the intentions in his eyes.

"Hold on a minute!" came the unwelcome interruption, causing the two to pull back from their almost kiss.

"Veerji, you just never miss the chance to get carried away, do you?" continued Naintara, as she, Pinky, Annie and the other girls came walking up to them. "Well, you are just going to have to wait, because Geet is coming with us now."

Naintara indicated to Pinky and Annie to take Geet away, while she put her hands on her hips and glared at Maan. "Dev, come and keep a watch on this roguish brother of yours. Don't you dare let him anywhere near their room until I say so. Oh, and make sure that he has something to eat, or offer him a glass of milk at least. We have to make sure that he has enough energy after the busy day we've all had."

Naintara smirked and left a fuming Maan, who didn't take too kindly to his siser-in-law's taunts. Dev put his hand on Maan's shoulder and said, "Let it go, Bro. The girls will have their fun, there's no way of getting around it. So, tell me how much cash you have on hand, or maybe we should just go find your checkbook."

July 8, 2011 12:01 am

Maan was glaring at Pinky, who had apparently been given the job of door keeper, with specific instructions of keeping him out. He tried to reason with her, he tried to threaten her, but all to no avail. The tiny woman had her arms crossed and was looking at him with defiance. Maan briefly considered physically moving her, but couldn't really justify doing as she was nearly seven months pregnant.

"You didn't think it would be that easy to enter, did you Jijaji?" she asked, giving him a glare.

"I told you Maan, you definitely need the checkbook to get past this one."

"What do you want?" asked Maan, ignoring the comments of the other men.

Pinky thought for a moment. "Ten thousand should do it."

"Ten thousand!" shouted the men, while Maan grabbed his checkbook and started writing.

"Pinky, darling," said Adi coming up to placate his wife. "Don't you think that's a bit much?"

"No way. That's two thousand for each of us, and he can certainly afford it, at least, he can if he wants to see his wife any time tonight."

"Pinky is right," confirmed Naintara, as she, Annie, and Khanika's two daughters came out of the room, closing the door tight. "If Maan veerji wants to go inside, he will have to pay the fee. Otherwise, we have no problem standing here all night. Isn't that right girls?"

They all agreed, while the men complained about their women's tactics. Maan cared less about the whole thing. He had waited too long for this moment, to let a little thing like money come between him and his Mishti. Finishing the check, he pulled it out of the book, gave the whole thing to Naintara, and then requested that everyone leave. Ignoring the whistling and good natured jibes, Maan grasped the handle of his bedroom door and went inside.

Lots of wedding goodies this time.

The official webpage for Armour House, the venue of Maan and Geet's wedding.

Maan, Geet, and JD's wedding clothes.

Geet's hair, she has the same hairstyle throughout the night.

Geet's wedding jewels.

Geet's bridal choora.

Geet's mangalsutra.

Dev, Naintara, Harsh and Menal's wedding clothes.

I like this website because it has much better pictures of Armour House than the official website.

Maan and Geet's reception clothes.

Geet's reception jewelry.

Dev and Naintara's reception clothes.

Teri Ore

English Translation.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GWTC7NJkn8[/YOUTUBE]