ALMOST LOVERS
Chapter 7
Closer to the Prey
So close we are,
That I can feel your heart within me
Your breath hits my face
And you are so close that it hurts
So far we are,
That you can't see the story in my eyes,
Neither the sounds in the silence
And you are so far that it hurts
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Geet was amazed by Maan. The man could do anything with almost unnatural efficiency. There was nothing that stumped him neither did he bend to any obstacles.
She was learning so much from him, just by being around him. His depth of knowledge astounded her, for he was capable of discussing any topic and gave importance even to the minute details.
"Remember in order to sell the product, you have to convince the buyers you believe in it. Mr Blum wants his dream home and it's our job to make him believe that we are the only capable of fulfilling that desire." Maan's every word was taken in with rapt attention.
Geet was amused by the obvious fear some of the employees felt for Maan. It was almost as if they were scared that he would incinerate them with his anger.
And explosive was his rage. The first time she had seen him make his secretory cry it had shocked her but she was even more surprised to see that the woman didn't blame him at all. Instead she had been heartbroken for disappointing her boss. That day she had understood the respect that Maan's employees held for him
Slowly Geet had also developed a similar respect, though she unlike them wasn't the least intimidated by him. They had also started to build a friendship, with a foundation of similar personality and interests. She couldn't deny that he brightened her day, for it was always amusing to argue with him.
As everyone left his office, Geet just stared at the man, trying to gauge his emotions. But it seemed that everyone was safe from him.
"So is dhak dhak in a good mood?" Geet teased while sitting opposite to him. She had first heard the nickname that all the other girls at work called him from Tasha and ever since then she had taken to giving him a hard time about it. "You know what, they even have a bet going on whether you have a six pack or not. Maybe you should take your shirt off to settle the bet."
Maan smirked at her, not at all perturbed by her comments. "You just want to see me out of my shirt."
"But of course!" Geet cackled. "You know you want to as well!" Maan raised an eyebrow at her comments, only mildly surprised by her comment as he was getting used to her laidback style of talking. But she quickly reassured him. "Don't worry I'll protect you from the hormonal women."
"Hmmm…but who'll protect me from you." Maan taunted back. It surprised him how frank he was with her but she was the type of person that made everyone relax.
"Well….I'll try to control my lust." Geet joked, even while her cheeks flared up with a blush. I am used to teasing everyone, why then am I like this with him?
"Maybe I wouldn't want you to." Maan's comment was like a challenge, testing the waters.
Geet gave a small laugh and dodged the comment by saying, "That's enough of our silly jokes for the moment."
Who is joking? Maan couldn't help but think.
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With every passing day they would learn little details about each other. Geet had an idiosyncratic habit of noticing quirks of others. She understood that while Maan was quite a stern person, whenever he would be in the verge of losing his temper he would brush his finger through his hair. Also he would have the pens on his table organised in a particular manner; separated by size and then by colour.
And the more she got to know him, the more he intrigued her. So she would ask him various questions, ranging from inane questions like about his favourite colour to more intense ones about his views on abortion.
She sometimes wondered why she was so curious about this man, but she justified it by the thought that he was truly unique. There weren't many people like him, with the ability to change the world. He had been heralded by the Times Magazine as the man most likely to create an impact and CNN had done a documentary on him to show his evolution in business.
However for Geet what amazed her, was the way he would interact with her. He would respond to all her questions with a patience that he didn't tolerate for others. What makes me special?
But she couldn't deny that she loved spending time with him. Even when she had to stay back late to do work.
"I think the Pollock painting will look nice against the red feature wall." Geet advised, commenting on the ideas that the interior designer had sent over.
"Do you like Pollock's works?" Maan asked, wanting to know her ideas. She had such vivid opinions, they were well formed but open to change. She saw the whole world as her canvass and was ready to take any steps to make it hers. She was the type of person who lived life fearlessly and that silently impressed him.
"I am not that well educated in arts to truly appreciate the American abstract expressionism but there is a certain charm in the fact that he didn't just paint with a brush. It gives a greater sense of intimacy to know that he used his body to create the work." She contemplated. "Still you are right in that I do prefer more traditional style. If it was my house I would rather have a Renoir hanging."
"A Renoir?" I'll make sure that happens. "Interesting choice, though I have to say I would rather that as well."
"At least there are things that we agree on!"
"Well I am sure we both agree that we've done enough for the day. You should probably head off home." He urged her.
"Sounds great to me." She quickly agreed. "So what are the plans for tomorrow?"
"You can take the day of tomorrow." Maan smiled. "It's my birthday tomorrow and my Grandma forces me to take the day off."
"Your birthday!" Geet's eyes widened with excitement. "How old are you turning? 64?"
"Very amusing." Maan rolled his eyes. "I am turning 27."
"Well the gray hairs will start popping up soon and your beauty will fade. What will you do without your good looks?" Geet teased again but stopped herself seeing the less than happy look on his face. "Fine I'll stop annoying you. But here is a hug and a kiss in case we don't see each other tomorrow."
She leaned forward and embraced him. It should have been awkward, for her small frame was dwarfed by his, yet it was oddly comfortable. The she got on her tip toes to give a casual kiss on the cheek but just as her lips were about to touch his cheeks, Maan turned around to capture her lips with his.
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Their cheeks were against each other as they swayed to the music. Her feet were now on top of his to make up for the difference in their heights, forcing her to lean on him.
She had heard others comment on how perfect they looked; her like a dainty princess and him as the handsome and strong prince. She also knew that there were many eyes on them, watching their interaction. So she let herself relax in his arms and for a moment pretended that everything was fine.
Yet it wasn't, for even while they were dancing, she noticed that Rehan was glaring at them across the room. She could tolerate the glare but not the pain in his eyes.
Maan noticed the direction of Geet's stare and it caused a pang in his heart. But he covered it in his usual manner. "Why is he staring at us? Doesn't he have anything better to do? Or anyone better?
"Don't you dare make fun of him!" Geet hissed against his ear. "What gives you that right?"
"What gives him the right to stare at my wife?" Maan countered. "Or does he not realise that?"
"That fact would be pretty impossible to ignore, especially for him."
"Well maybe he needs a reminder." With that Maan turned his head and took her lips against his.
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His lips for so lush against hers, yet they were firm in their movements. He was tender but also demanding. She couldn't think with the way they moved over her, creating feelings within her that she would have thought impossible.
It was almost inevitable that she would kiss him back. She just lost herself in the moment, allowing herself to enjoy the illicit pleasure. It was natural for her arms to go around his neck to touch his nape and she didn't protest when his hands puller closer by grabbing her waist.
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It didn't matter that they were in the middle of a party or that this was sure to be picked up by the media. At that moment Maan had wanted to kiss her and he couldn't stop himself, not when she was so close and not when the other man was looking at her.
Geet closed her eyes as she felt his lips, trying not to respond but failing. It was almost sinful that he could make her fall with just a touch.
Oh…but what a touch.
His lips had always been her weakness and her sinful desire. The brush of his tongue against her lips, demanding entrance, caused her to groan and to succumb.
But she knew that what she was doing was wrong.
Not while Rehan is watching.
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AUTHOR's NOTE
Loved all the comments! You guys are amazing.
As always sorry for the late update...but I was sick and had a lot happening.
So you guys are getting to see Maan's plan...as well as their current relationship.
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Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Veer Hanuman
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