Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 27th July 2025 EDT
CID Episode 63 - 26th July
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 28 July 2025 EDT
CID Episode 64 - 27th July
WELCOME 🏠 MAIRA27.7
MAIRA IS SAD 😞28.7
YRKKH to take a generation leap!!!
Aneet Padda and why I think she's the next big thing
Geetanjali vs Abhinav
Maa esi nahi hoti…
Has Kajol forgotten how to act?
Mohabbatein: one of the best scenes
Did she really say that?
Anupamaa 27 - 28 July 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
Who is Best for gen 5
Anyone else born in the 80's?
Aneet Padda Next Movie With Fatima Sana Shaikh
24 years of Yaadein
BALH Naya Season EDT Week #7: July 28-Aug 1
Half Girlfriend: anyone watched it?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter 23: Love is You
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Maan beta, have the caterers come with the food?" Dadi Ma asked worriedly, entering the room. She checked the decorations around the ballroom, her eyes quickly scanning everything before turning to look at her grandson. "The guests will be coming soon."
She wanted everything to be perfect. The last time there had been a chance for such festivities, Dev had run away and Maan had had to marry Naintara. It had broken her heart to see her oldest grandchild, her secret favorite, tied in the bonds of a loveless marriage. That marriage had brought him such unhappiness.
But now. . . it was a new chance . . . a new beginning. Vicky was getting married. Dev was back. And Maan . . . Maan now had Geet in his life.
She was blessed in her granddaughter-in-laws. Meera was a beautiful woman, inside and out. It had only taken one meeting for her to realize that. She would keep Dev stable and would be his conscience. She would never lead him astray.
A smile formed on her lips, thinking about her granddaughter-in-law to be, Pari. Pari was already a part of this family. She had seen Pari supporting Maan, loving Rahul, and falling in love with Vicky. She had been so happy for those two, but when Vicky had run away with another woman, she had come so close to breaking down. She couldn't help but wonder where her upbringing . . . her blood . . . had gone wrong that another of her grandchildren would hurt others like this. But Vicky had come back, and she had learned the sacrifice her youngest grandson had made to save Maan. Her heart was filled with so much love and pride. And she made sure to tell Vicky that, knowing that he needed to know how important he was to them. It was time to stop treating him like a child all his life.
She smiled once more, all her love and happiness shining through in that one smile. Her grandson was back. They were both back.
"Dadi Ma, everything is ready," Maan said, coming over to place a hand on his grandmother's shoulder. "Look, the food is being set up in that corner, behind the screen to give the diners some privacy. Nakul is supervising the setup of tables over there, next to the bar. The entertainment is being set up on that side, so that couples will have room to dance. You don't have to worry about anything."
And for Maan...there was Geet, their guardian angel. Geet had saved them all. Geet had protected Rahul. She had treated her like her own grandmother. And Geet had taught Maan how to love again. She had such hopes for them.
Now that Vicky was settled, it would be Maan's turn. Wiping a tear from her eye, she smiled at her beloved grandson, patting the hand he had placed on her shoulder. She was truly blessed to have all of her family around her. She then asked the question that had been bothering both of them, "Where is Geet, beta?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Geet took a deep breath and stared up at the Khurana mansion with wide eyes. Her heart beat nervously when she saw the numerous cars waiting to enter the gates. The mansion itself was like a jewel, bedecked in all its finery. The building was covered with small, twinkling lights. Every single light in that home was on, exuding a sense of welcoming warmth. Red cloths were hanging from the rooftop and trailing to the gardens below. Garlands covered every surface, scenting the very air with their perfume.
She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the tremors racing through her body. There were just so many people here! Would she even have a chance to talk to him? She tightened her hands around the taveez she had brought with her, taking courage from it. She would create the chance if she had to. She would talk to him tonight. He would know the truth.
"Oy, Geet! Hurry up," Pinky's impatiently called out from two feet in front of her. Looking beautiful in a pink sari, she had an arm wrapped around her husband's arm. Adi also looked quite dapper in a gray suit, as he eagerly motioned for Geet to join them.
"You look very pretty tonight, Sali Jee," he gently teased as Geet moved to stand next to them.
She blushed at his words, knowing that she had done her best to look extra special tonight. Her hands fluttered up, towards her bare shoulders and collar bone. She quickly stopped herself, knowing it would have only been an attempt to cover herself. She deliberately used those raised hands to adjust the fall of her sari, making sure that it draped correctly across her shoulder, leaving one shoulder almost bare to the world's eyes.
"Geet, that color totally suits you," Pinky said enthusiastically. "You're looking very sexy. I haven't seen ... so much of you in like ever."
Geet blushed once more, telling her friend to hush. "Stop teasing," she urged them. "Let's go before people start wondering about the three statues standing here."
They moved towards the door and quickly sailed through, Nakul urging them inside.
"Geet beta!" Dadi Ma called out, coming over to hug the young girl. Greeting both Pinky and Adi, she told them to enjoy the party. "You're late, beta!" she admonished Geet. "The celebrations have already started. We've already had multiple toasts for the happy couple." She gave Geet a hug to convey her joy and gently pushed her into the hubbub of the partying crowd.
Geet's eyes flickered around hesitantly, looking for him. Her head turned left and right, but she found no traces of Maan Singh Khurana. Her eyes were caught by the decorations in the ballroom. The twinkling lights, the perfume of the flowers, and the people . . . laughing . . . drinking . . . dancing. It was a time for happiness. If she didn't have this confession to get through, being here would have made her forget her troubles for a time.
"Geet! You're finally here," Pari's joyful voice cried out, racing over to give her a hug. "Now, can you tell me why my maid of honor was the last one to come to the party?" she said with a fake pout.
"Don't exaggerate, Pari. There was a long line of people waiting to come in after us," Geet said laughingly, hugging Pari back. "A gift for you," she said holding out a box.
Pari took it with a happy thank you. "I want to open it now," she murmured, looking at the box longingly, "But I guess patience is its own virtue. I'll look at it later," she said to herself, and then turned to hand it to a servant passing by. "Please put it safely with the other gifts." Pari went back to stand next to Vicky.
Geet glanced at her friend. Pari looked beautiful in a red dress, the rich fabric draped lovingly across her body. The material sparkled under the chandeliers' lights. Diamond jewelry adorned her throat and ears, and another bracelet graced her slender wrist making her sparkle even more. But more than anything, it was Pari's joyful smile that made it clear that she was the belle of this ball.
Vicky stood next to her. The man was dressed in a black tuxedo, his eyes only for his wife-to-be. The way he touched her . . . the way he gazed at her . . . the way he held her . . . it was clear that he was back where he belonged, and he was happy about it. One hand held Pari's hand, clearly unable to let her go even for one moment.
Geet nodded at him and smiled. "Congratulations," she murmured.
"What? I didn't hear you," Vicky teased, flashing her a big smile. "Are you actually congratulating me? The traitor?"
"You saved your brother," Geet pointed out seriously. Pari had told her everything in their phone conversation this morning. "But you also hurt your family and my dear friend."
"But she wasn't even your friend when all of this happened!" he protested.
"While making this commitment today," she told him, "you have to make one other promise." She wondered briefly why she felt so free to give him advice in this manner. It was almost as if she already saw him as her brother.
He tilted his head in question.
"No more bouts of noble idiocy," she said. "Open and honest communication is the key to a happy relationship."
"I promise," Vicky said, placing the hand that held Pari's over his heart in a pledge. "In the future, I will never think that lying to someone for their own good," he continued, gazing into Pari's eyes, "is a smart solution," he said. Raising her hand to his lips, he placed a loving kiss on the back of it. Turning to look at Geet, he paused for a moment and then leaned in. "As long as you promise me the same thing."
Geet blinked in confusion, wondering how he could have guessed.
"Like recognizes like, Miss Handa. My brother would never be grateful if you took such a step," he whispered to her, before looking over her shoulder. "Bhai, we were just talking about you."
Geet whirled around, her eyes locking onto the man she had been searching for since entering the Khurana mansion. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, like his brother. But unlike his brother, this man took her breath away. Her heart began to beat furiously, her fingers tightening around the taveez for some badly needed courage. She wanted to touch him so badly, knowing that holding him, instead of this taveez, would make everything so much better. But she couldn't do that yet, could she? She didn't have the right.
Maan's eyes were glued to Geet, his lips parting in awe of her beauty. She was wearing a light brown sari and looked like a goddess. His goddess. She ruled his heart, and he knew that she, unlike others before her, would be very careful with it.
He took a step forward, drawing closer to her. At that moment, his heart was overflowing with love. He wanted to grab her and never let go. He closed his eyes, closing her out. Only when she disappeared from in front of him, was he able to take some badly needed deep breaths to cool the desire that was suddenly raging inside of him.
"Look! Mr. Rockstar is here!" Pari said, waving at Maan. She fell against Vicky, nestling into his warmth.
They all looked at her in confusion.
She hiccupped softly, a hand coming up to cover her mouth. "Oops," she said dizzily. "Just an old nickname for Maan," she sheepishly murmured. She blinked her eyes in confusion. "God, I'm not even drinking alcohol! Why am I like this?"
"You must be drunk on love," Vicky murmured to her.
Pari erupted in laughter, hanging onto Vicky's shoulders for balance. "That was so cheesy Mr. Khurana," she murmured, leaning into him. She nuzzled into his neck, and he wrapped her close. "But you must be right. I'm drunk on you! Now," she shouted, jumping back from Vicky, "It's time for the engagement ceremony. You won't be a single man for much longer," she murmured to Vicky. "Let's get to it," Pari urged, pulling Vicky towards the stage.
Maan gazed at Geet once more, motioning for her to precede him. Patting the ring in his pocket, he promised himself that he was going to have that ring on Geet's finger in the next hour. Following behind her, his eyes traced the warmth of her golden skin, wanting to reach out and touch. Controlling himself, he wrapped his fingers around the ring instead. Once his ring was on her finger, he would have the right to touch her freely. He would have a right over her... just as she would have that same right over him.
The two pairs moved towards the stage, where the cake had been set up. Dev and Meera had come onto the stage, along with Dadi Ma and Rahul, who was jumping up and down excitedly. Pari, Vicky and Pari's parents joined them, with Pari and Vicky moving to stand in front of the cake.
Maan moved up the steps and then turned to look back at Geet. Holding out a hand, he silently urged Geet to take it.
"Geet, hurry up!" Pari called out. "My maid of honor is going to be with me every step of the way. Starting with this ring exchange!" When Geet's eyes widened at this revelation, Pari winked at her. Had that been Pari's plan all along? Geet being Pari's maid of honor meant that she could be part of the family events, and taking part in everything, without people pointing any fingers.
Maan turned his head to glance at Pari's naughty smile, shaking his head at her machinations. Turning back, he gently grasped Geet's hand and pulled her up onto the stage. Ignoring her silent protests, he arranged her so that she was standing next to him. Rahul came over and grabbed her hand, hugging it to his chest. She smiled down at him distractedly, and then looked out into the crowd. Blanching at all the eyes staring at them, she focused on the cake instead. Flashes were going off around them, and she knew that this moment was being documented for all of posterity.
She felt a small tug on her other hand and turned to gaze up at Maan. He smiled at her reassuringly. Pulling her closer, he settled an arm around her waist, his warmth seeping through the thin material of her sari. She settled against that warmth, simultaneously comforted and excited. But quickly coming back to herself and the stares now coming their way, she pulled back and gently pushed his arm away.
"Bhai!" came Vicky's querulous voice. From the sound of it, it seemed as if it wasn't the first time he had called for Maan. "Where's the ring?"he demanded.
"It's probably in your pocket, Vicky," Maan said blandly, his eyes focused on Geet.
"I think it's in your pocket, bhai," Vicky shot back, frowning at his brother. "Remember I entrusted my best man with that important task?" He wiggled his eyebrows at his brother, smiling at him when he realized why Maan bhai was so out of it.
Maan quickly patted his pockets, his cheeks going red in embarrassment. He pulled out the ring, and handed it over to Vicky. He'd been so focused on what was going to happen next, he had forgotten that his brother had entrusted him with Pari's ring. Turning his head, his eyes caught the quizzical expression in Geet's eyes. He smiled sheepishly at her.
She chuckled softly when she saw Vicky grimacing over Maan's shoulder at his brother's absentmindedness.
"Bha-ai," Vicky whined.
"What now?"he snapped, turning to glare at Vicky.
"This isn't my ring!" Vicky snapped back, holding the ring out to his brother. He held out his other hand demandingly for his own ring.
Maan flushed and quickly stuffed the proffered ring in his pocket and pulled out Pari's ring. He practically shoved it at Vicky, hoping that no one had caught the slip. Glancing to the side, he saw Geet gazing at him questioningly, and he shook his head at her. "Later," he murmured to her, before looking at the happy couple.
Pari and Vicky exchanged their rings and began to feed each other the cake.
Rahul sidled up to them, tugging on Pari's skirt impudently. "Can I have some cake, too?" he asked, batting his long eyelashes at them. The newly engaged couple laughed and fed Rahul some cake, as well. And then it was picture-taking time, and for one beautiful, breathtaking, moment Maan placed his arm around Geet, holding her close. It was as if for that moment, she was part of the Khurana family. She loved it. And no one could say anything. After all, she was the maid of honor and Maan was the best man.
As everyone stepped down from the stage, Geet followed suit. Maan moved down the steps ahead of her and turned to hold out his hand to her. Even knowing that there were eyes on them, she took courage and put her hand in his. She quietly followed him into the library, and they were soon behind closed doors.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Now that they were behind closed doors, she didn't know how to begin. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm her nerves. "I...," Geet began, her voice unnecessarily loud in the library. "I wanted to tell you..." she strived to modulate her voice.
"Me first," he said in a commanding tone, and pulled her to the chair in front of the fireplace. Seating her in its soft comfort, he knelt down in front of her on one knee.
"Maan," she began, her mouth dropping open in surprise. She bit her lip, her heart beginning to feel the magic of the moment. It seemed that Maan had brought her to this room for his own purposes. She blinked in surprise at that realization. Was he going to propose to her? For the first time she noticed the candles and flowers on every surface. Someone had gone to the trouble of decorating the library, even though it was strictly off limits to any guests. She smiled tremulously, unable to control the happiness from appearing on her face. The mood . . . the lighting . . . it was as if music was playing in the air . . . She placed a hand over her heart.
"Sorry," Maan murmured distractedly, pulling out his cell phone and switching it off.
Geet was pushed roughly out of the moment by that small practicality. How could music be playing? There was no magic in the air. When had she become so fanciful? She shook her head to clear the final cobwebs that were still lingering in her mind. "Maan, I need to tell you . . . about what happened in my past," she said, wanting to reveal her truth first before he spoke those words of commitment.
He grasped her left hand in his, his touch silencing her once more. Pulling out the ring that he had created from his dreams and carried around with so much hope, he put it on her ring finger. Once the ring was on there, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Tracing the design with his thumb, he brought her hand up for a kiss.
"I . . . love you, Geet," he murmured, gazing into her eyes. His thumb continued to caress the ring on her finger. "I have loved you since the first moment I began to know you. I loved you when you defended my son and opened my eyes to how hurt he was. I loved you when you cared for my grandmother and became good friends with Pari. I loved you when you revealed your fears to me, opening up about your past." He turned her hand over, and placed a kiss in the center of her palm. She gasped softly at the touch of his lips, her cheeks reddening. That simple touch arrowed into the deepest part of her being, causing a new tension to grow within her body. "I loved you for the passion you feel for me."
Geet gasped again at those last words, unable to deny that there was passion between them. "I . . . " she began.
"I love you," he repeated. "And you would make me the happiest man on earth if you agreed to be my wife." Leaning in, he placed a gentle kiss against her lips.
Geet pulled back from the intoxicating touch of his lips, her wide eyes meeting his in surprised confusion. Looking down, she gazed at the ring, mesmerized by its elegant beauty. She couldn't help but wonder if the ring really belonged on her finger. Did she have the right to claim any of his devotion if she hadn't told him everything? "Maan, I have to tell you..."
He placed a finger against her lips, silencing her. "Nothing you say will matter. I know everything that I need to know about you."
"What?!" Geet asked. What exactly did he mean by that?
"I mean," he began, cupping her cheek lovingly, "Whatever it is that you think will change my view of you...change our plans...won't. It doesn't matter to me. I want to marry you. I want to make you a part of my life. Not your past."
Geet sprang up from the seat, unable to sit still any longer. "You can't just say that," she protested, staring down at him. "You can't just say that my past doesn't matter!"
He got up and watched her pace in circles around him.
"No, you have to listen," she insisted, coming up to grasp his arm, shaking it in her worry. "My past is very complicated! I'm scared of how it will affect us . . . of how it will affect you. You proposing to me . . . it makes me so happy," she finished softly, trailing her hand down his arm to grasp his hand. "Happiness is standing in front of me here, with its arms spread wide open, and I can't help but wonder do I have the right to grasp it? Do I have the right to feel like I do?" She gazed up at his beloved face, tracing his features with her eyes. She never wanted a day to come when she wouldn't have the right to look at him.
She turned away, her hand dropping away from his, unable to bear the thought of that possible separation. Wrapping her arms around her waist, she finally forced out, "Do I have the right to bring someone else into my life? Do I have the right?" Her voice shook on those last words.
"You do. You have the right," he responded, coming to stand behind her. He gently enfolded her in his arms, his chest against her back. His heart aligned with hers. He placed a soft kiss against her ear, as he whispered those words.
"But...," she began tremulously, clutching at his arms and holding him close. "You are a good person. You could find a much better girl, whose life isn't so complicated, and whose past isn't stained by scandal. You could find someone untouched by life's tragedy. You have your family to think about. And being with me...could thrust you into scandal once more." Tears began to fall from her eyes, her lips trembling once more. The fear of rejection was so strong that she had to force these words out.
"Maybe you didn't hear me," Maan said gently, turning her around to face him. He gently wiped away her tears with his thumb. His touch turned into a caress, lingering on the warmth of her cheek. "I never said that I wanted a perfect woman. What I want is you... exactly as you are, because that's what is perfect for me." He leaned in and placed a kiss against her lips. "There is no one better than you for me. When I fell in love you with . . . that's is when I realized what true love was. You are the meaning of love to me. You are my future."
"But if something about my past hurt you or your family, what would they think about me?" she asked in exasperation, trying to point out that his blanket acceptance could be dangerous.
"And my family," he continued, "Their happiness is in my happiness. But one thing . . . you are a bit complicated, Miss Geet Handa. Sometimes it is hard to understand you," he murmured, smiling teasingly at her.
"I told you," she said snippily. She huffed at his teasing and turned away, ready to walk off just to show him how irritated she was.
His hand came out and wrapped around her wrist, his fingers gentle. Pulling her back against him, so that her back rested against his chest once more, he embraced her closely. Leaning down, he murmured somberly in her ear, "I'm sorry for teasing you." He kissed the side of her neck, inhaling her scent deep into himself. "Yes, you're complicated. But your complications, and how they have changed you and changed me, when I am around you, is what make life worth living."
"I ..., love you" she finally admitted, unable to keep the truth inside any longer. "I will marry you." His supportive words ... his loving touch had given her the courage she needed to go on without any fear. Maan would never reject her. "Still, I want to tell you about my past. Years ago, in Hoshiarpur . . ."
Knock. Knock. The sound was harsh in the silent room.
Geet jumped at the intrusive noise, immediately trying to get out of Maan's arms. Maan's arms tightened reflexively around her waist.
"Dammit," he muttered, before reluctantly letting go. Stepping back, he shouted out, "Who is it?!"
"Bhai," Vicky said, sticking his head inside the room.
"Vicky, I told you to make sure that no one interrupted us," Maan ground out in frustration. "Not to interrupt me yourself."
"I know, bhai," Vicky said. "But this is important! Sameera is out there," he whispered frantically.
"What? Why is she here?!" Maan barked at him.
"I don't know!" Vicky shot back. "I thought she was off to follow her next rich target! I didn't know that she would show up here! It's my engagement party, bhai," he whined. "I don't want her ruining everything. Make her go away!"
Maan nodded and began to move towards the door.
"No!" Geet said, grabbing onto his arm. "No," she repeated when he turned to look at her in surprise. "Let her stay. If you try to make her leave, she might make a big fuss. That would definitely ruin your party," she said to Vicky. Turning back to Maan, she shook her head. "What can she do, Maan? By paying attention to her . . . by trying to get her out of here when she's already here, will only give her what she wants."
"I don't want her here," Maan growled angrily. "After what she did to hurt my son, how can I allow her to remain?"
"Maan," Geet said hurriedly, knowing that if she didn't stop him, Sameera might cause a scandal . . . and he wouldn't like that at all. "Maan, please. Rahul will be in bed by now. And there will be no chance that he'll see her," she promised.
Maan stopped his rush to the library door. After thinking about it silently, he nodded reluctantly. "Fine, she can stay," he conceded. "We'll have security keep an eye on her. If she takes one step out of line, we'll have them remove her without incident."
Both Vicky and Geet nodded in agreement before following Maan from the library. It was just their luck that the first person they met was Sameera, who was waiting for their exit from the library.
"Why if it isn't the illustrious Maan Singh Khurana," came her voice from the bottom of the stairs.
Geet's eyes alighted on the figure standing down there. She was a beautiful woman, but . . . also tacky. She was wearing a loud, skin-tight golden dress. She was covered with jewelry, as if she had something to prove.
'Geet, what is wrong with you!' she was shocked by how catty she sounded. How could she be thinking such thoughts about another woman? While the truth was bitter, she forced herself to admit that she was jealous. This was the woman that Maan Singh Khurana had fallen in love with. He had trusted her so completely, that his own brother had had to save him. 'Does he love me that much?' She glanced sideways at Maan, and caught him looking at her. He smiled reassuringly at her before going down the steps.
Vicky held out his arm to her. When Geet looked at him in confusion, he stuck it out even more, clearly wanting her to place her hand on his arm. She hesitantly did so, and he lead her down the stairs, patting her hand in comfort.
She could already see Sameera talking to Maan at the bottom of the stairs. When she joined them, she heard the tail end of Maan's instructions to Sameera to not make a scene. "If you do, I'm going to have security take you out."
"Maan, I would never make a scene!" Sameera protested, pouting up at him. "Why would you even think that? The only reason I'm here is that Rohan Ji wanted to come. I promise you, I'm not here to make any trouble. What reason would I have to make trouble? I mean, I tried to get with you, but eh well, it didn't work out. Nor did it work out with Vicky. I have Rohan Ji now, and his fortune is bigger than the Khurana fortune." She flicked her hair over her shoulder, and gazed dismissively at Geet and Vicky. Her eyes landed on Geet's left hand.
"Ooh, nice ring," she said. "And who are you engaged to madam?"
"None of your business," Maan ground out, pulling Geet away from Vicky and to his side. "Keep away from my and Pari's families and keep away from Geet," he ordered. "Remember, if you cause any problems, I will make you pay."
"I won't do anything," Sameera promised. "Scout's honor," she continued, putting two fingers up to her forehead in salute.
Maan walked away after a final glare at Sameera, pulling Geet with him. He signaled to two security guards, telling them to keep their eyes on Sameera. Vicky went in the other direction, eager to rejoin his bride-to-be.
"Maan, we need to talk," Geet murmured anxiously, her eyes focused on the man pulling her along. "I need to tell you..."
"Maan beta, where were you?" Dadi Ma demanded, coming over. "Rahul wanted to say goodnight before Nakul took him upstairs, but you were nowhere to be found."
"Dadi Ma, I needed to speak with Geet about something," Maan quietly told his grandmother.
"Really?" Dadi Ma asked in an interested tone. "May I ask whether your conversation was successful?"
Maan silently held up Geet's left hand, showing his grandmother the ring.
"Congratulations, Maan beta! Congratulations, Geet," Dadi Ma cried out in happiness. She grabbed Geet in a big hug, trying to convey the joy she was feeling at this moment. Finally, all of her grandsons had found their happiness!
"Thank you, Dadi Ma," Geet said somberly, knowing there was one more thing she needed to do before she could fully accept Maan's proposal. She just hoped that she could get him alone soon.
"Ladies and gentleman, my name is Sameera, and I am a close friend of the family," a voice filled the ballroom. It was loud and gratingly chirpy, reaching every corner of the room. Geet turned to look at the stage, her eyes widening to find Sameera standing in front of the band. A member of said band was trying to pull the microphone away from her, but a silent signal brought a lackey to the stage to act as her bodyguard.
"What is she doing?" Maan asked angrily, moving toward the stage. "Where are the security guards I put on her?" With two hurried steps, he was gone from her side.
"Maan!" Geet called out, trying to get his attention before he was out of hearing range. "Please..." But it was too late. He was already gone, making his way to the stage so that he could kick out that poisonous woman once and for all.
"Mr. Khurana, congratulations on your brother's engagement," a party guest called out. The well wisher moved up to Maan and held out his hand. When Maan reluctantly stopped to shake that hand, another hand proffered itself. And then another. It was if that one statement and moment of cordiality had opened the flood gates. "Mr. Khurana, congratulations!" And he was surrounded by a crowd, all wishing to have a little bit of his attention.
"As I stated, I am a close friend of the family. In fact, I have a really close relationship with two of the Khurana brothers. I was even the nanny for the Khurana heir for a little while," Sameera continued from the stage. She smiled cattily at Geet, before turning her attention back to the crowd. "Since we have already witnessed the ring exchange between the happy couple, I think we can move on to other important things," she said, raising her wineglass in a silent toast to the happy couple before turning back to the avidly listening crowd.
People began to whisper about what these other important things could be. Wasn't the engagement today the main event?
Vicky moved toward the stage, clearly unhappy by Sameera's shenanigans. Pari held him back, whispering quickly, "Let her do whatever she feels she needs to. You going over there and stopping her will only make people wonder more," she murmured in his ear and pasted a fake smile on her face for their guests. "I mean, how much damage could she really do?"
"Since I am so close to the family and the Khurana brothers, I know something you don't know," Sameera called out. "Would you like me to share that secret with all of you?"
"Yes! Yes!" came from eager guests, who thought all of this part of the festivities.
"The truth is that Maan Singh Khurana is also engaged!" Sameera called out.
There were gasps of surprise from the guests around her. Geet felt Dadi Ma take a hold of her hand, giving her silent encouragement. A loud whoop of joy came from Vicky and Pari's corner. Despite the clear welcome she saw in their eyes, her heart had begun to pound in unease. She knew that this woman had something else up her sleeve.
"And would you like to know who he is engaged to?" she called out, her gaze focused on Geet. Geet stepped back at the malevolence dripping from that gaze.
The crowd cried out an eager yes.
"Sameera!" Maan thundered, finally reaching the stage.
"Oh, look, it seems that Mr. Khurana doesn't want the truth to come out," Sameera said, turning to look at Maan. "Doesn't it seem that Mr. Maan Singh Khurana is ashamed of this truth? Is he ashamed of his fiance?"
Maan froze at the foot of the stage, unable to go a step forward. If he did so, the attendees would all believe that he was ashamed of Geet. He would never want that.
"It seems that he is in agreement with me about sharing this happy news with all of you," Sameera said with a gleeful smile. She smirked at Geet, and then turned her attention back to the crowd. "Mr. Maan Singh Khurana is engaged to his child's nanny, Miss Geet Handa." She helpfully pointed out the lady for the attendees to see. "She's the lady in the light brown sari over there, standing next to Maan's Dadi Ma."
Geet's face paled when she realized that she was the center of attention. Everyone was turning to look at her, and while most of those gazes were curious or congratulatory, some were also skeptical or derisory. She flinched under those hateful gazes.
"But that's not all," Sameera continued. "I think it quite important to tell you a little bit about our Maan Singh Khurana's fianc."
Geet began to back away, knowing that whatever was coming next would not be good. She wanted to tell her to stop, but she knew that it was too late.
"Miss Handa is completing her last semester, and she will be getting a degree in teaching. She plans on teaching young, innocent minds, just like our Rahul Khurana. Where is the darling boy, Maan?" she laughed softly when he only glared at her, and then continued happily. "He must be asleep. Well, one very important thing that I think all of you should know . . . before Geet Handa begins teaching your children . . ."
"No," Geet murmured. "Please don't."
"Geet Handa had quite a past. I think it imperative that you all know that the woman who will be teaching your young children is a . . . killer."
Shock ran through the crowd, Sameera's revelation having an electric effect on them. A group converged on the stage, wanting more of the juicy details. Maan was soon surrounded. Frantic whispers began around her, until they were a roar. Fingers pointing at her and then staring at the Khuranas. Avid gazes focused on Geet, their rapacious gaze making Geet want to disappear.
A killer.
Her frantic gaze looked for familiar faces. For faces that would understand her plight, reach out a helping hand. Her gaze landed on Pari, who was looking at her with shocked sympathy. But behind her stood Pari's parents...glaring at the woman who had ruined their only child's engagement.
"A killer. . ."
She turned her head and met Dadi Ma's unhappy gaze. Pinky and Adi were not far away, staring at her with shock in their eyes. Pinky's eyes welled up in tears to see the heartbreak on Geet's face.
"A killer?"
Geet's hands clenched, as she fought the emotions welling up inside of her. She didn't want to cry in front of them. She couldn't cry in front of them! Abruptly turning, she found herself face to face with the last man on earth she wanted to see right at that moment.
Maan Singh Khurana. She immediately lowered her eyes, unable to face him.
"She's a killer! Maan Singh Khurana is engaged to a killer!"
She had brought scandal to the Khurana family after all.
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A/N: Hey everybody. Happy New Years! I wish all of you a great year with lots of luck and happiness. I have posted Chapter 23 for your reading pleasure. As you can see, there are some very familiar dialogues from the drama in this chapter. (The episode where Geet gives Maan the taveez. This drama used to have some beautiful lines.) Let me know what you all think
From the author's desk : Welcome to thread 6! I started to write this story years ago when the show was live and now when I look back on what...
Hindi TV Shows
Kumkum Bhagya
Cricket
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