OS: Beautiful Girl

It was a clear and beautiful night in Los Angeles. The Khurana Compound was located up in the Hollywood Hills, along the edge of the famous Mulholland Drive. While the entire house was alive with chatter, laughter and music, one room stood silent – nearly dormant – in the darkness of the night.

The occupant of that room stood waiting for the moment that was to change his life forever. Tonight, this beautiful night, was to be witness to his engagement. This beautiful night was to watch as he promised himself to a strong, independent, caring and incredible woman.

He stood by the large window of his room which over looked the houses below him. His shoulder was resting against the window panel while his eyes stared up at the sky. It was indeed a clear and beautiful night in Los Angeles. The sky was clear, not a cloud in sight. The moon shone like a beacon in the dark night sky while twinkling stars blinked magically.

She loved nights like this where, if you wanted, you could count each and every star in the sky.

As he thought back to the first time he'd seen her only one word came to mind – beautiful.

*~*~*~*~* Flash Back *~*~*~*~*

Checking the reference number that he'd written on the small piece of paper, Maan made his way through the large Berkeley Law Library. He trudged along the east wing of the 5^th floor which housed all law material on the Civil Rights movement. He'd been trying to hunt down a book and was having a rather difficult time doing so.

He was a second year law student at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. He was specializing in business law and knew the 6^th floor of the library like the back of his hand. However, he was here on the 5^th floor to do a favor for his roommate and law school partner Aditya Shrivastav, a Social Law major, who was currently at work. As Maan thought about his friend, he couldn't help but feel bad for the man. Adi, as Maan called him, came from a lower middle class family who had gotten into Berkeley Law based on two things – his stellar academic report card and a handful of scholarships and grants. Between the scholarships and grants Adi had, he was able to cover the majority of his tuition. The part that he couldn't cover he had loans for and he also had two jobs. He worked day and night to make ends meet so that he could graduate and become a lawyer.

Maan felt even more guilty because he had no such financial worries. Of course, he had grades as good as, if not better than Adi, however, financially he didn't have any worries. The scholarship he received covered three quarters of his tuition, the other one quarter was covered by his father. Maan had a bank account that received deposits monthly for his everyday needs, while his father wrote out personal checks to the school for the remainder of his tuition.

Many times Maan had offered to help Adi with his tuition but Adi refused. Maan had even tried to play it off as a loan that Adi could pay back later, but that trick didn't work. Maan and Adi had been friends since they were in middle school, so Adi knew that he would never take any sort of repayment back for anything. Adi was the proud son of a proud working man, and for that Maan respected him and admired him.

Glancing up at the reference numbers posted on the side of the bookshelf, Maan thanked his stars that he finally found the isle he was looking for. Entering the isle, he saw a girl at a distance reaching for a book on the top shelf and failing miserably. As he read off the numbers on the first set of books, Maan mentally cursed himself because he had to go further down the long isle to get to the set of books he needed.

He was just past the middle of the isle when his eyes fell on the book he needed – 'Civil Rights Law & Practice'.

He was about to reach for the book when his phone buzzed indicating he had a text. Fishing it out of his pocket, he saw that it was from Adi. He opened it hesitantly afraid of what he'd find.

'I almost forgot, I also need a book called Making Civil Rights Law: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court. The author is Mark Tushnet 1994. Thanks bro, you're a lifesaver. I owe you.'

Adi needed another book, a book Maan hadn't been aware of when using the library catalogue to find reference numbers. That meant he had to go back to the first floor, look up the reference number and then come back up to the 5^th floor.

Maan groaned out loud in his annoyance and threw his head back as if staring at the ceiling.

"Why God? Why?" he complained, his eyes closed.

As he opened his eyes he was shocked to see another pair staring back at him. They eyes that rested on his were large, almond shaped and the color of warm chocolate. Bringing his head down slightly and straightening his posture, he looked at the girl in front of him. She stood on a stepping stool dressed in simple jeans, a purple top and black sandals. Her arms were outstretched reaching towards the top shelf. Her face was angled down at him causing a few strands of her hair to fall on her face.

Beautiful.

That was the only word that came to mind as he couldn't help but look at the girl that stared at him.

She is beautiful.

That was the only thought in his otherwise empty mind. That and the fact that with the overhead lights shining down on her, she looked like an angel.

"Geet," he heard someone call from behind the girl.

Then, everything happened as if a chain of events like dominos.

He first saw the girls eyes widen in shock. She then took a step back only to have her foot got stuck in a crevice of the stepping stool. Then, her heard her gasp as she lost her balance and began to fall.

Instantly, Maan sprang into action reaching her just in time to catch her so that she didn't fall onto the cold, hard, tiled floor of the library. He felt her body slam against his own as her arms went around his neck.

Maan didn't realize he'd been holding his own breath until he felt hers against the nape of his neck. As she exhaled her warm breath hit his neck and almost tickled. Closing his eyes, he breathed a sigh of relief knowing that the beautiful angel girl was safe in his arms.

He felt her pull away from him and stiffen slightly. Opening his eyes, he saw that she was staring back at him again. Neither of them said anything as they were once again lost in each others eyes.

"Geet," came the voice again.

That jarred her back to reality as she began to squirm in his arms. He set her down just as another girl joined them. She was dressed in a similar fashion but had nervousness and fear etched on her face.

"Geet you're taking forever…and we're not even supposed to be here," the girl complained as she pulled the beautiful angel girl to her side.

From the way the new girl addressed the beautiful angel girl, Maan figured out that her name was Geet. A sweet and beautiful name, for a sweet and beautiful girl.

"What are you doing?" the girl asked.

"Umm…the umm…book…" the girl named Geet stuttered.

Maan kept his eyes focused on hers just the same way that Geet kept her eyes on him.

"Uff! You didn't even get the book!" the girl complained, "You are useless!"

As Maan continued to lose himself in the beautiful eyes of the beautiful girl he saw from the corner of his eye the other girl climb up on the stepping stool to get the book that they needed. As the girl braced herself on the top level of the step-stool, her body blocked Maan's path of vision. He tilted his body slightly to the left to get a better view of the beautiful angel girl on the other side. He saw a soft blush creep onto her face as she looked away from him for a second. Before she could look back, the other girl had managed to get the book they needed and had climbed off of the stepping stool.

"Let's go," the girl called as she began to walk away.

The beautiful angel girl, Geet, now looked back up at Maan. When she didn't follow, the other girl came back to take her.

"Geet hurry, let's go," she said, "We are here on Bhaia's library card. We have to make the copies and get out before they find out that we're not allowed here."

Maan saw that as the girl dragged Geet away, she had her face turned towards him. The girl must have sensed what was going on because she stopped and turned back to look at him. She looked at him from head to toe before rolling her eyes and facing forward again.

"I tell you to hurry up and get the book but what do you do?" the girl asked as she gripped Geet's arm more tightly. "You decide to go and fall into the arms of a law school hunk."

At that comment, Maan found himself blushing slightly while did the same as she looked away.

"You're going to get us killed," the girl said.

With that, they had turned the corner and disappeared as Maan stood unmoving staring into the empty isle. He didn't know how long it took him to come back to reality and even that was only because Adi had sent him another text.

----------------

As Maan look at himself in the mirror making sure he looked half decent, he couldn't help but let his mind wander to the beautiful angel girl he's seen two weeks ago. It had been two weeks of daydreams and two weeks of not being able to focus on anything. There was only one thing on his mind – the beautiful angel girl. Who was she? And why was he so taken by her?

Maan had returned to the library to see if he could find her but he had no luck. He tried to look for her on campus, however, Berkeley was a huge campus with thousands of students each belonging to a different college – it was like finding a needle in a hay stack.

A noise outside his room brought him back to reality. As he looked at the clock on the table he realized that if he didn't leave soon he was going to be late. Tonight he had been invited to dinner at the home of his law-charge. The law school had a program where second and third year law students mentored pre-law and first year law students. Maan, being a second year law student, had been assigned to a pre-law student by the name of Yash Malhotra. Yash and his family had invited him over for dinner so that they could all get to know each other since they'd be seeing one another a lot in the next year.

After making sure his shirt was right, Maan slipped on his blazer, grabbed his phone and keys before heading out.

Maan knew that Yash came from an affluent family, but seeing the house that he lived in surprised even him. The Malhotra compound could rival the Khurana Estates – maybe. A chauffeur greeted him before taking his car to be parked just as Yash came out of the main door.

"Hey Maan," Yash called as he held out his hand.

"Hey…" Maan said as he took Yash's hand, "Nice digs."

"Thanks," Yash said as he chuckled. "I hope you didn't have difficulty finding us."

"No no…not at all," Maan said.

Yash led him to the family room where he introduced Maan to Mr. and Mrs. Malhotra who were warm and very sweet people. After some small talk, a butler announced that dinner was ready. As Maan made his way to the table he saw a girl, with her back to him, setting a floral arrangement.

"Oh and this is my younger sister…" Yash began.

The girl turned around with a smile on her face. Maan frowned as he instantly got the sense that he'd seen her before.

"…also a UCB student…Nandini…and Nandu this is Maan…my mentor. He's a second year law student here at Berkeley Law," Yash introduced.

A look of shock took over the girls face as her smile disappeared. Maan's frown deepened as he couldn't understand why she was having such a reaction to him.

"Oh my God," Nandini said in a whisper, "You're the law hunk."

As soon as she said that, Maan realized where he'd seen her before. She was the other girl that he'd run into at the law library a few weeks ago. She was the one that had come looking for the girl Maan hadn't been able to stop thinking about. Finally, he had something that could help him reach the beautiful angel girl Geet.

"Umm…I…uh…I hear my phone excuse me," Nandini said.

A smirk played on Maan's lips as a plan instantly came into his mind.

Dinner was a relatively interesting affair as Maan listened intently as Mr. Malhotra told him about his adventures of traveling the world building resorts. Maan knew that Nandini was squirming in her seat and hadn't taken her eyes off of him, but he purposefully ignored her. After dinner while he gathered with the family in the family room for dessert and coffee, he watched as Nandini excused herself with the excuse of having to write a paper.

A short while later, while Yash was giving Maan a tour of the house, he noticed Nandini sitting in the small library flipping through a magazine.

So much for writing a paper.

"Is that your library?" Maan asked.

"Yeah," Yash answered, "It's nothing big but enough. It's my mother's favorite room in the house."

Yash was about to say something else but stopped when his phone rang.

"I'm so sorry but I have to take this," Yash said as he checked the caller id. "I'll be back in just two minutes."

"Sure no problem," Maan said. "Would you mind if I looked through your library while I waited?"

"Of course not, feel free…" Yash said before he turned and walked away.

A smile appeared on Maan's face as he finally had the opportunity to have some fun with Nandini Malhotra – or Nandu as he noticed her family called her.

He walked into the library quietly, wanting to surprise Nandini with his presence. It wasn't until he got closer that he saw she had headphones on so she wouldn't have been able to hear him any way. Since she was sitting behind a desk he went up to her and cleared his throat to get her attention but it didn't do any good. Not knowing what else he could do, he went behind her and tapped her shoulders. Maan had to suppress a laugh as she jumped from her chair in fear.

"Ah!" she screamed until her eyes focused on him.

He stood leaning against a bookshelf. He tried to present himself as cool and collected when in actuality he was anything but.

"C…can I help you?" she asked as she closed the magazine and took her headphones off.

Maan narrowed his eyes at her as he began to walk around the desk. Though he didn't look at her he knew her eyes were following him. Just to annoy her, he didn't say anything. Instead he began to thumb through a rather large book which sat on the upper right corner of the desk.

"So…do you sneak into the Berkeley Law Library often using another student's card?" he asked, still not making eye contact with her.

"I…I…I don't know what you're talking about," she said in a shaky voice.

Maan smirked.

"Oh really?" Maan asked with a smirk. "So two weeks ago, it wasn't you I saw taking a book from the Civil Rights Law section on the 5^th floor?"

"N…no," she said.

From the corner of his eyes Maan could see that she had begun to play with her long hair – probably a nervous habit.

"Fine, have it your way," Maan said.

He placed the book back on the table where he found it as he began to exit the library.

"What do you mean have it my way?" Nandini asked.

"It's simple…tell me the truth and you won't get in trouble. Lie to me and I'll just let the librarian know about your little escapades…who in turn will contact your college dean."

"No but…" Nandini began but Maan cut her off.

"Not only will you put your own education in jeopardy but also that of your brothers, because I know you used his limited access as a pre-law student to get into the library," Maan said.

"He didn't even…" Nandini began again.

"Whether he knew or not is beside the point," Maan said as he began walking around the room. "The fact is that you used his card…his card means his responsibility."

A small – very small – part of him was feeling guilty for scaring the poor girl but he had to do it because there was no other way.

"Fine fine…" Nandini said, "Yes, it was me."

Maan turned to face her and gave her a smile. "See, that wasn't too hard, was it?" he asked.

They stood silently for a few seconds just looking at each other, not saying a single word. It was then that Nandini turned around to leave.

"Uh uh…" Maan called, "You're not off the hook yet Nandu."

She turned to face him, her emotions mixed between worry and anger. "What…now what do you want?" she asked, her tone clearly annoyed.

"Now now…is that any way to treat a guest?" Maan teased, suppressing another laugh.

He saw her roll her eyes again, just the way she had in the library two weeks ago.

"What do you want?" she repeated, but this time added a fake smile.

"Not much," Maan began, "I just want you to introduce me to your friend."

He knew she was confused because her eyebrows drew together as she folded her arms across her chest.

"Friend…which friend?" she asked.

"The one that was with you in the library," Maan said.

"You mean Geet?" Nandini asked, this time shocked.

"Yes…I do believe that is her name," Maan answered.

He watched as Nandini first narrowed her eyes at him as she dropped her arms to her side. She watched him for a second or two before approaching him. As she got closer, he could see the hint of a very subtle grin.

"Why Mr. Khurana," she began.

The slight confidence in her voice seemed to unsettle Maan.

"…can't find a girl on your own so you've taken to blackmail?" she asked.

Maan chuckled under his breath.

"I can get a girl on my own Ms. Malhotra, make no mistake about that," Maan said with a touch of arrogance. "I'm just lazy."

"Please, elaborate," she said as she sat back down at the desk.

"There are multiple colleges, thousands of students and not to mention a massive campus that I'd have to troll through to find her. Frankly, I don't care to do that," Maan said.

"Hmm…" was all she said.

"So do we have a deal…tell me how I can get to her and I'll keep quiet," Maan reminded.

"We have a deal but with changes," Nandini said.

"You're pushing your luck Ms. Malhotra," Maan warned.

This time, it was she who laughed. "You don't scare me anymore Mr. Khurana," she said as she got up and walked around to him, "You want information on my friend…the power has shifted from you to me. I may have a passion for medicine but I also have a soft spot for law."

Maan was trying to figure out what had just happened. Not minutes ago he had that girl eating out of his hand and now she seemed to have a choke hold on him.

"There are three things you need to know about Geet," Nandini began. "One…she's a simple, traditional Indian girl at heart. So if you're looking for a fling…stop looking."

"That is not what I'm about," Maan said, louder than he wanted because he was offended at the accusation.

"Good," Nandini said nonchalantly, "Two…education is the most important thing in her life…and therein lies you path."

"My path…for what?" Maan asked confused.

"The path that will lead you to her," Nandini said. "That book you saw us after in the library…well…she needs it for a paper."

"But I thought you had it or at least copies of the pages you needed," Maan said.

"We do, but Geet is nothing if not thorough," Nandini said with a smile.

"Ok…what's the name of the book, I'll get it for her," Maan offered.

"Uh uh uh," Nandini said as she waved a finger in his face, "Not so easily Mr. Khurana. You have to work for the girl…I'm not just going to hand her over…especially after you tried to play games with me."

Maan groaned as he realized the power truly had shifted.

"What do you want?" Maan asked with attitude.

"Nothing," Nandini said.

"Then give me the name of the book," Maan said, his frustration seeping through.

"No," Nandini said as she stepped back from him, "But I will tell you that we are taking Women's Studies 144 with Professor Kinsley."

"That doesn't help me at all," Maan said.

"Take it or leave it Mr. Khurana," Nandini said, "Good luck."

She turned to walk away and was almost to the door when Maan called out to her.

"Wait," he said causing her to stop. "What's the third thing?"

"Excuse me?" Nandini asked as she turned to face him, unsure of what he was talking about.

"You said there are three things I should know about her…but you only mentioned two," he reminded.

He saw a smile appear on her lips before she spoke.

"Three…she is my best friend…you hurt her in any way and I'll kill you," she said.

Maan couldn't tell if she was joking or if she was serious because though she said it with a smile, there was an edge in her voice that told him she just might follow through with her threat.

"Oh and Mr. Khurana…dare you call me Nandu again…the consequences will be severe," she said.

Before Maan could say anything she had disappeared from the library just as Yash was returning.

That night Maan spent a good chunk of time searching for Women's Studies 144 on the online catalogue of classes. Finally when he found it, he was saddened by the fact that Professor Kinsley taught four of the same classes. He knew that because this particular class was part of the General Education block that all freshmen had to take he would be searching through a few classes but he thought at max two, but here he was stuck with four. To make matters worse the timings were spread out over four days – one class for each day. He hit the first class which was a Monday 420-600pm class. After waiting for the class to leave he finally managed to pull a student aside who allowed him to take a look at the syllabus and assignments. Maan made the excuse that he had a friend in another of Professor Kinsley's class and that's why he needed the syllabus. It was then that student told him that while the syllabus was the same, Professor Kinsley assigned different assignments to each class to avoid overlapping of reference materials.

Of course the class that Nandini and Geet were in was the last class of the week. He was waiting outside the classroom dressed in a hoodie covering his face so that if Geet came out she wouldn't see him. When she came out, however, all train of thought stopped and all he could do was stare at her. She was dressed in a simple floral print dress with white sandals. Her hair was left open in waves and the only make up she had on was eyeliner and lip-gloss. Again, just like in the library, the light from the ceiling shone in such a way that she looked like an angel – a beautiful angel.

He was so taken with her that he didn't realize she was headed in his very direction. Lucky for him, Nandini saw him and dragged Geet in a different direction, but not before winking at him once. He didn't have time to respond to her antics as he spotted someone that could help him. He spun another story about a friend who needed information about the final paper and he got the information he needed. The assignment was to write a paper on the history of women's rights in the US. There were a number of books listed but only one was available in the Law Library.

As Maan walked the halls of the 6^th floor library he realized that finding the book for Geet didn't make him half as annoyed as it had when Adi needed it. It took him about ten minutes but he finally found the book – Women's Movement in the US: Women's Suffrage, Equal Rights and Beyond by Steven M. Beuculer.

The next afternoon he'd made arrangements with Nandini to meet with her and Geet in the main cafeteria. Nandini had informed him that they'd be sitting at on an outside table across from Panda Express. With the book in his hand and his heart nearly popping out of his chest in anticipation, Maan headed over to where they sat. He was just about to interrupt their conversation when Nandini saw him from the corner of her eyes and raised her hand to stop him. Maan froze in his track and stood patiently only a few feet away from them.

"Geet…" Nandini began, "I'm your best friend right?"

Geet frowned and looked up from her books before smiling and answering.

"Of course you are Nandu," she said.

Maan watched as Geet went back to taking notes while Nandini began putting her books away.

"And you know that whatever I do, I do because I love you and it's for the best," she said.

"Nandu what has gotten into you?" Geet asked.

"Nothing…" Nandini said.

It was then she signaled Maan to come over. Taking a deep breath, Maan closed the few steps that separated him from his beautiful angel girl.

"Hey Nandini," Maan said.

"Hey Maan…fancy finding you here," Nandini said.

It was then that Geet looked up at him and stared, as if she recognized him, but looked away, blinking to refocus.

"Geet…remember I told you about Bhaia's law school mentor, well this is him…Maan Singh Khurana," Nandini said in introduction, "Maan this is my best friend Geet Handa."

"Nice to meet you," Maan said as he held out his hand.

"You too," Geet said as she took his hand.

The second her hand touched his, he felt an electrical current going through is body. She however didn't feel the same because she immediately turned back to her books.

Maan took a seat across from her and next to Nandini.

"She doesn't even know I exist," Maan said, disappointed.

"I told you…her studies are first," Nandini reminded.

Geet was so lost in her own world that she didn't hear anything.

"Oh gosh, look at the time," Nandini said, which caught Geet's attention. "I'm going to be late for my appointment."

"What appointment?" Geet asked.

"Oh…errm…I have an appointment to umm…go see Dad," Nandini lied.

"Really?" Geet asked, not entirely believing it.

"Yes really," Nandini said as if offended by Geet's insinuation that she was lying.

"Uh huh," Geet said.

"Maan…will you keep an eye on Geet while I'm gone?" Nandini asked, "The girl is so damned pretty I can't leave her alone for one minute without losers hitting on her."

"Nandu please…" Geet protested.

"I'd be happy to help," Maan said before Geet could say anything else.

"No that's not…" Geet began but was cut off.

Nandini leaned in and whispered into Geet's ear, "I love you."

With that, Nandini left Maan alone with Geet. The sat in silence for minutes and not once did she look up at him.

"So what are working on?" Maan asked.

She looked up at him as if debating if she should answer. "My final paper for a class."

"Final paper already…finals week isn't for another 7 weeks," Maan said.

"I like to get a head start," Geet said, as she wrote.

"Can I help?" Maan asked.

This time, she looked at him and frowned. "How could you possibly help? You don't even know what I'm writing about."

"Women's rights in the US…" Maan said.

"How could you…" Geet began but then became quiet as she narrowed her eyes at him, "Nandu told you."

"Maybe…" Maan said.

"Unless you have the book I can't check out from the law library, thanks but no thanks," Geet said.

"What if I said I have the book?" Maan asked.

"You couldn't possibly," Geet said.

"And if I did…" Maan said.

Geet looked at him but said nothing.

"I'll make you a deal…" Maan began, "I'll give you the book and leave you alone to work on your paper if…"

"If what…" Geet asked when he became quiet.

"If you go out with me," Maan finished.

She put her pen down and leaned back on the chair which she was sitting on.

"Do you blackmail all your dates into going out with you Mr. Khurana?" she asked with a smirk.

Maan chuckled as he realized how similar Nandini and Geet were.

"No…just the special ones," he said.

She giggled and he could have sworn he saw a slight blush on her cheeks.

"Thanks…but no thanks…I need to concentrate on school," Geet said.

"As you should," Maan said as he saw his chances slipping away. "How about just dinner? You have to eat right?"

"No I…" she began.

"I'm the only one that can get you the book you want…" Maan said, "That could easily give you an edge when you write your paper."

She narrowed her eyes at him.

"How do I even know you have the book?" Geet asked.

Maan fished through his backpack finally finding what he was looking for. Pulling out the book he placed it on the table. He saw Geet reaching for it but he pulled it back out of reach.

"So what do you say…do we have a date?" he asked.

She looked at him as if trying to sum him up. A minute or two later her saw her tense shoulders relax.

"Fine…we have a date," Geet said in agreement.

"Thank you…the book is all yours and I'll see you Friday night," Maan said.

He didn't say anything else, he simply got up and left.

----------------

When Friday night rolled around, Maan was frantic making sure that everything he planned was perfect. It was his first, of hopefully many, dates with Geet. He looked at himself one last time in the mirror. He was dressed in one of his best black suits with a grey shirt and matching tie. Running his hands over his hair once again, he was finally satisfied with his appearance.

"Well well…aren't we looking spiffy," Maan heard Adi say.

Turning around, he saw his best friend and roommate leaning against the door frame of his room. Maan rolled his eyes knowing exactly what Adi was thinking.

"Don't you think the suit is a bit much?" Adi asked.

"Not at all," Maan said as he grabbed his phone and wallet before exiting his room, "It's my first date with her and I want to make a good impression."

"But this isn't you," Adi pointed out, "You hate suits."

"Like I said…I have to make a good impression," Maan repeated.

"Think about it Maan. Do you really want a girl who is impressed by designer suits to be the one you choose?" he asked.

Maan decided to completely ignore what Adi had just said because he didn't have the time to think about it – not that he wanted to think about it in the first place.

"Good luck…" Adi yelled.

Maan was already out the door and had the phone plastered to his ear checking on arrangements one last time.

The drive from his apartment to Geet's dorm was only about ten minutes. He parked his car and made his way towards her room. Upon reaching it, he stood outside for just a minute gathering his nerves before knocking. He knocked once, softly, and then a second time harder. He was about to knock a third time when he heard giggling from the other side of the door.

As the door opened, Maan was expecting to find Geet in front of him, instead he found Nandini.

"Well it's about time Mr. Khurana," Nandini said. "You're late and that means minus points."

"Points?" Maan asked, "And how am I late? I said I'd be here at 8…it's 8…"

Nandini stepped aside to let Maan in.

"If you check properly it's actually 8:03…that's a full three minutes late," Nandini said.

Maan checked his watch and sure enough, it was 8:03.

"You can't be serious," Maan said.

"Ignore her," he heard a voice call.

When he looked in the direction that the voice came from, he was left spell bounded at what he saw. There she stood, his beautiful angel girl, dressed in a sleeveless white cocktail dress with silver heels. Her hair was set in soft curls, her makeup done up a little more than usual but just enough.

"She has a habit of talking nonsense," Geet said as she came and joined them.

Maan hadn't heard a word of what she'd said as he was completely lost in her.

"You look like an angel," he said out loud unintentionally.

Geet smiled at him and blushed slightly.

"Well…I'd say that comment makes up for your tardiness," Nandini teased.

Maan ignored her.

"These are for you," Maan said as he pulled out a bouquet of flowers which he'd kept hidden behind his back.

"Oh thank you, they're beautiful," Geet said as she took them.

Maan knew he'd made the right choice by picking exotic flowers like Japanese orchids, lilies and sterling silver roses.

"Shall we?" Maan asked as he held out his had to her.

She gave him a quick smile as she grabbed her purse and shawl before taking his hand.

"Now you two behave and you better have her home at a reasonable time Mr. Khurana," Nandini yelled as they walked away.

They walked in silence until they were out of the dorm building.

"Where are we going?" Geet asked.

Maan knew she was confused when they walked past his car and kept going.

"It's a surprise," he said simply.

She looked up at him and smiled. Maan could swear, under the moonlight she looked absolutely ethereal.

"Umm…I didn't know that Nandini was your dorm mate," Maan said.

"She's not," Geet answered, "She lives at home but she comes over and stays with me quite often."

"You guys are really close aren't you?" Maan asked.

He saw a warm and endearing smile spread across her face.

"She's the sister I never hand," Geet answered.

Before the conversation could get any further, Maan realized they'd reached their destination.

"Are we going to the mess hall?" Geet asked.

"Yes," Maan said.

He knew she was confused by the frown that formed on her forehead.

"Trust me," he said.

He knocked on the main door of the mess hall twice and then, as planned, the doors swung open. He heard her gasp and tighten her hold on his arm as she took in the sight before her. Maan had essentially rented out the entire mess hall. He had called in the best decorators and party planners to transform it into something magical. There were twinkling white lights all over the hall, there were flowers and even a five string band in one of the corners.

He led her to a table that was specially set up for them. Pulling out her chair, he waited for her to sit. He took a seat across from her once she was settled. She took in her surroundings quietly. From the look on her face, Maan couldn't tell what she was thinking. Before he could ask her anything, a waiter came and handed them a special menu he had the chef of his favorite restaurant create.

"Would you like some wine or champagne?" the Maan asked.

"No…I don't drink," Geet said.

Maan was slightly taken aback by this because in this day and age, everyone drank – even those that weren't legally allowed to. Maan had ordered the best wine (red and white) as well as the most expensive bottle of champagne he could find, and here she didn't want any.

"Waters fine thanks," Geet said.

"And you Sir…" the waiter asked.

"Same…" Maan said.

"So…tell me about yourself," Maan said.

"Not much to tell…" Geet began.

Maan listened intently as she told him about her family. She was an only child who had always had aspirations to become a doctor. She had maintained a great GPA while in school which allowed her to get into Berkeley. Even thought she had scholarships and grants, her parents still worked very hard to make up the rest of her tuition. She loved to dance and paint when she wasn't studying, which was not often since she'd gotten into college. She enjoyed the simple joys of life and her friends meant the world to her.

As she talked Maan realized that when Nandini had said she was a simple, traditional Indian girl, she hadn't been kidding.

The waiter had dropped off their drinks a while ago and had even brought out their food. Once again, Maan was surprised that she'd chosen a simple dish instead of one of the more fancy entrees.

"What about you? What's your life like?" she asked.

"Well…it's just me, my Dad and my Dadi," Maan began.

Maan spent the rest of the night telling her about the trips him and his father took yearly around the world. Every summer it was a different destination. This past summer it had been Greece, last summer it was Italy, and the summer before that it had been Fiji.

They had finished dinner just as Maan wrapped up is description of the ancient ruins of Athens, which he and his father got a special tour of after hours at a rather hefty price.

"What would you like for dessert?" Maan asked.

"Nothing," Geet said as she wiped her mouth, "I'm quite full thanks."

Maan frowned at her changed demeanor. He had noticed that she had started changing early on in the date.

"Umm…ok…how about a dance?" Maan asked as he stood up and offered his hand to her.

The five string band had been playing music all through dinner so Maan thought why not take advantage of it.

"Thank you but…I think I should be getting back," Geet said.

Maan checked his watch and saw that it was not even ten o'clock yet.

"Is something wrong?" Maan asked, confused.

"No…I just…I don't think this is a good idea…" Geet said.

"What do you mean?"

"We are completely different people," she answered.

She had just picked up her shawl when Maan spoke.

"How do you know that…you don't even know me…" Maan said, as he felt his defenses suddenly up.

"Maybe you don't want me to know you," Geet said.

"What do you mean? This is me," Maan said as he held his arms out.

Geet silently wrapped her shawl around her bare shoulders before looking up at him.

"If this is all that you are…" she said looking around the overly decorated room, "…then I don't think I want to get to know you."

With that, she took her purse which was on the table and left without a second glance at him.

As he watched her retreating back, he saw that the only thing she held in her hand was her small purse. He looked to find the flowers he'd gotten her laying discarded on the table. Maan stood there thinking but he couldn't figure out where he'd gone wrong.

----------------

When Maan woke up the next morning he found himself in a very bad mood, no doubt over what had happened the previous night. Quickly chancing into track pants and a t-shirt, he headed out to the nearby park for a morning run. The entire time he was wracking his brain to see how the date he'd planned so meticulously had failed so badly. He couldn't come up with an answer. He decided he needed to go talk to Nandini. Maybe Geet had told her something that could explain what happened. After a shower and change of clothes, Maan headed over to the Malhotra residence.

"Hey Maan, did we have a meeting?" Yash asked when Maan arrived.

"No…no we don't. I'm actually here to see Nandini," Maan said.

"Nandu?" Yash asked surprised.

"Yes…is she available?" Maan asked.

"Sure…she's up in the library…" Yash said.

"Do you mind if I head up?" Maan asked before running up.

"Go ahead," Yash answered.

Maan took the stairs two at a time and nearly raced down the halls. He entered the library and found Nandini sitting at the desk working on her laptop.

"Nandini…" Maan called.

She turned her head to face him at the sound of his voice. Her initial reaction was one of shock but that was quickly replaced with a frown as she took her attention back to the task she'd been working on.

"You have some nerve showing up here Mr. Khurana," Nandini said as she typed away.

"What…what do you mean?" Maan asked, confused.

"Last week, because of you I had my ear chewed out by Geet for leaving her alone with you where you blackmailed her into going on a date," Nandini said as she got up from the chair. "I figured I'd deal with her lecture because in the end the date would go of perfectly and she'd understand why I did what I did."

"Okay…" Maan said, not sure where this conversation was going.

"But then…but then you go and ruin it all in less than two hours!" Nandini yelled.

"What did I do!?" Maan asked. "I don't even know what I did!"

"I tell you that Geet is a simple girl and what do you do…you go and throw money in her face…expensive dishes, rented our mess hall, exotic flowers. Sheesh!" Nandini said as she rolled her eyes and turned away from him.

"What's wrong in that?" Maan asked.

Nandini snapped her head back at him. "What's wrong in that?" she repeated sarcastically, "What part of simple and traditional did you not understand?"

"Huh?"

"For a law student you're not very bright Mr. Khurana," Nandini said. "Instead of trying to impress her as a regular girl…you try to woo her as if you're a playboy millionaire and she's some blond socialite!"

"She has a problem with me being rich?" Maan asked.

"No…she has a problem with you throwing your richness in her face," Nandini said.

"But…" Maan began.

"She wanted to get to know you, Maan…not the privileged crown prince to the Khurana Law Empire," Nandini said.

Maan fell back onto a large chair that was behind him as he thought about what Nandini said. Of course, she was right. Geet was a simple girl with values and desires that matched her easy going attitude. It was then he realized how truly beautiful his beautiful angel girl was – both inside and out.

"Wow…I really made a mess of things didn't I?" Maan asked.

"Yes you certainly did," Nandini said before turning back as she headed back to her desk.

"Can I recover from it?" he asked.

Nandini looked up at him and smiled before she spoke, "Maybe…"

----------------

One week later, it was Saturday night as Maan waited outside the Malhotra residence as per Nandini's instructions. She had told him that they would be having a study group at her house where he could come and see Geet again. He had wanted to go talk to her right away but Nandini insisted that he give her some time to get over what had happened. So here he was one week later.

He rang the door bell which was soon answered by one of the butlers. He as thankful that Nandini had filled Yash in on the little plan so as soon as Maan got there, Yash took him to the dining table where the girls were currently gathered. As they approached it, he saw Nandini and three other girls sitting around the table, books open, along with pizza and soda spread across.

"Where is Geet?" Maan asked impatiently.

"Well nice to see you too Mr. Khurana," Nandini teased.

Maan sighed as he realized he was acting like a school boy with a crush. Not only acting, but he felt like one as well.

"Sorry…" he said as everyone laughed at his predicament.

"It's ok," Nandini said, "She just went upstairs to get a book we needed."

As if on cue, he saw her coming down the stairs, her head buried in the book she held.

"See I told you Nandu…" Geet began.

Her voice caught as she came to the bottom of the steps only to find Maan standing before her.

"Hi Geet," he said.

"Hi," she replied softly.

They stood silently in front of each other for a few seconds. It was Geet who first moved to walk past him but he grabbed her wrist to stop her.

"Geet wait," he said.

She turned to face him, surprised at his actions.

"I wanted to apologize for how things went down with us last week," he began. "That's not the real me I promise."

He sensed that she was uncomfortable with his hold still on her wrist so he let her go and she took a step back. The last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable.

"I was hoping you'd give me a second chance…so I could show you the real me," Maan said.

Geet stood there silently fidgeting with her fingers.

"Geet…go for it," Nandini said.

"You keep quiet!" Geet warned, "I'm still not happy with you."

Maan looked at Nandini after Geet's comment and she looked back at him. She narrowed her eyes at him as if blaming him for the small fallout she suffered. Of course, she was right.

"Geet…what are you waiting for, say yes!" one of the girls dressed in a red top said.

"Say yes before we attack him," another one in blue said.

Everyone fell into a fit of laughter as Maan saw Geet blush slightly.

"Looks like you have a lot of supports," Geet said as she looked up at him]

"So…is that a yes?" Maan asked, as he crossed his fingers.

"I suppose it is," Geet said.

Maan thanked God while everyone else in the room cheered and clapped.

"Let's go," Maan said.

"What?!" Geet asked, surprised, "Now?"

"Yes…now," Maan said.

"But…I'm not dressed…and we've already eaten," Geet said as she pointed to the pizza boxes.

"You look beautiful," Maan said as he took her in.

She was dressed in a pair of jeans and olive green, with gold sequined tunic.

"And if I remember correctly…I owe you dessert from the last time," he finished.

He held out his arm to her, and after a bit of hesitation, she took it.

About fifteen minutes later Maan pulled into the parking lot of one of Berkeley's best kept secrets – Mamma Nina's. Mamma Nina's was a small, family owned Italian restaurant. It was what you called a hole-in-the-wall place that had the best Italian food in Northern California.

"Maan…good to see you here…usual table?" the host asked.

"Yes please Johnny," Maan said.

As Johnny led them to a table for two in the back, he watched Geet taking in the ambiance of the small place.

"Do you come here often?" Geet asked as Maan held out her chair for her.

"I used to before…not so much anymore…but I try," Maan said.

"It's a beautiful place," she commented.

"Maan my boy! How are you?" someone called.

Maan turned to see the owner of the establishment, Papa Fredo as he was called, approach their table.

"I'm good, how about you?" Maan asked as he hugged the man.

"You know…same old," the older man answered. "How is school?"

"Just started my second year of law school," Maan answered.

"That's great," Fredo said. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

"Sorry…Papa Fredo this is Geet…Geet…this is Papa Fredo, he owns this place," Maan said.

"Nice to meet you," Geet said, "You have a beautiful place."

"Oh but not as beautiful as you darling…" Fredo said kissing Geet's hand making her giggle.

"What can I get you two?" Fredo asked.

"Just dessert," Maan said. "Mamma Nina's tiramisu."

"Of course…coming up," he said before disappearing.

"Everyone seems to know you," Geet said as she observed him.

"They do…I've been coming here every week since I was twelve," Maan said.

"Every week…" Geet said shocked.

Maan nodded his head. "It was my Mom's favorite place."

Maan told Geet about how Mamma Nina's was his mother's favorite place to come for dessert. His mother was a career woman, also a lawyer working at the Khurana firm. Most days, weekends included, she was swamped with cases or trials. However, starting at the age of twelve, every Friday night, no matter what after dinner she would bring him here for Mamma Nina's tiramisu. Over the dessert they would talk about Maan's week at school and what was going on in his life. It was a chance for them to spend time together because if they didn't make time, it would never happen.

"Even after she got sick, we came here every Friday night," Maan said.

"Sick?" Geet asked, with a sense of concern in her voice.

Maan explained how when he was sixteen years old his mother was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She immediately began chemotherapy and radiation after having a full hysterectomy but it was too late. The cancer was caught in a later stage and had metastasized to other organs. She fought hard for two years but had lost the battle shortly after his eighteenth birthday.

"Towards the end, when she couldn't make the trip, Fredo and Nina would stop by with the tiramisu every Friday night for us," Maan said.

He continued to explain that after his mother died it was hard for his father and him at the beginning. They didn't know what to do with each other without her. That is when they started taking the trips every summer. It gave them a chance to get away from reality and away from the pain they felt every day, and do something together.

By the time he'd finished telling her his story, he felt himself getting emotional. He could feel tears prick his eyes so he looked away from her, down at the table.

"I…I'm so sorry, I had no idea," Geet said.

Maan was surprised when he felt her place a hand on his. When he looked up at her she had a soft look in her eyes – warm and caring. She didn't feely pity for him like many other did. Instead, she was sad that he had to go through something so painful but at the same time there was a hint of pride in her eyes that he was a stronger person because of it.

"It must have been very hard," she said softly.

"You have no idea," Maan said as he put his hand on top of hers. "I can never watch someone I love die in front of me…my heart couldn't take it."

"I hope you never have to," Geet said with a reassuring smile.

Lots of talking and three hours later, Maan dropped Geet back at her dorm. She was supposed to go back to the Malhotra's house but because it was so late she didn't want to bother them. Maan stood silently as she fished through her purse for her keys.

"I had a great time getting to know you tonight Maan," Geet said after she had pulled out her keys.

"I wanted you to know that I'm not a spoiled rich brat who throws his money around," Maan said.

"I see that now…" she said softly.

Maan stood debating with himself. A part of him really wanted to just grab her and kiss her until she was gasping for air, but another part of him knew that he couldn't do anything like that with her.

"Well…goodnight," Geet said.

"Goodnight," Maan replied.

She had turned and was putting the key in the lock when he spoke up again.

"Would it be alright if I called you some time?" he asked.

She turned back to him with a confused smile on her face.

"Why are you asking if you can call me?" she asked.

"Because…I know that education is the most important thing to you and I don't what me or…this…to get in the middle of it," he answered honestly.

She didn't say anything, she simply looked at him. A smile spread across her face as she took a step towards, putting her hands on his shoulders to brace herself. Then, she leaned in and placed a feather light kiss on his cheek.

"I'd love it if you called me," she said.

Maan stood there, his eyes nearly popping out of his head, as Geet pulled back and then entered her room. He must have stood there for a few minutes before he was able to finally move.

The angel had just kissed him. The beautiful angel girl.

----------------

That had been the beginning of a beautiful relationship. That one date had led to another and then another. By the end of that fall semester Maan and Geet were officially dating. At first, they feared that their obligations to their respective education and careers would hinder their relationship. Both were focused and determined to get their degrees and establish their careers. It wasn't uncommon for couples to lose themselves in college life. For Maan and Geet, the obstacles seemed more severe because of the professions they choose – him a lawyer, and her a doctor. Both fields required that they devote most of their time to studying and other school related matters. However, oddly, the drive for education is what tied them together. Neither one of them complained of not spending time with each other. Whenever they could, they would catch a movie or a quick dinner date. They would spend most of their times studying either at the Malhotra House were Geet would study with Nandini and Maan with Yash, or Geet's dorm. The point was that they were together even if it was during study time.

They had gotten to know each other and fell more and more in love with each other with each passing day. They were there through all of life's ups and downs. She'd been there for him when his father had suffered a heart attack. He'd been there for her when her parents had been involved in an accident which sent both her parents into surgery. She'd been there for him when he had graduated from law school and when he'd passed the Bar Exam. She'd been there for him on is first day of work at the Khurana law firm. He'd been there for her when she received the new that she'd been waiting for and pray for.

It was just a few weeks away from their third anniversary. Maan was in the small conference room on the 5^th floor of the Khurana law firm having a lunch meeting with Adi, who also worked there, and a few other associates about a case they were working on for one of their biggest clients.

Maan had a sandwich in his hand as he paced the room talking about what they had on the case already and what they still needed to work on. As he spoke, he could have sworn he heard some calling his name – someone at a distance. He pushed all the thoughts out of his head and concentrated on what he was talking about.

"We already have a list of witnesses that the other party will be presenting," Maan said. "…but Oliver I want you to see if there is a revised copy. It's possible they could have made changes that we don't know about yet. Also…"

"Maan!" he heard someone shout.

He knew that voice belonged to his beautiful angel girl, but it confused him as to what she was doing at the office. It highly uncommon for Geet to show up at the office, especially at this time of day. It was her final year as a pre-med student and needless to say, it was tough to find her not studying or working on a paper.

Turning, he saw her standing at the entrance of the conference room. She was dressed in track pants and a UCSB T-shirt, with her hair pulled back in a ponytail. What confused him was the smile on her face – it was a smile that he'd never seen on her before. Her smiles always light up a room and ran ear to ear, however, this smile was slightly different. She seemed to be glowing.

"Eee!" she yelled as she sprang to life.

Maan braced himself for impact as she ran to him. His sandwich ended up discarded on the floor as she literally jumped into his arms, throwing her arms around his neck. The impact was so great that he was surprised he hadn't stumbled backwards.

"Maan! Guess what?! You'll never guess!" she said.

Maan couldn't figure out what had his usually quiet and calm Geet into a frenzied maniac.

"What happened Angel?" he asked as he broke the hug, "Is everything…ok?"

Maan felt odd asking that question because clearly everything was more than okay.

"I got the letter," she said.

At first Maan didn't know what she was talking about but it clicked in seconds. "You got the letter…oh my God you got the letter…" Maan gushed as he enveloped her into a bone-crushing hug.

"I got into med school!" she yelled.

"I knew you could do it Angel," Maan said.

Geet had been part of the UCB-UCSF medical program. The first three years consisted of taking all general education and pre-med classes at University of California Berkeley, and the last two were completed at the University of California San Francisco where they did their rotations at the hospital. She had applied last winter and had finally gotten word that she had been accepted.

"I'm so proud of you Angel," Maan said stepping back just one step.

He leaned in and kissed her soft at first. His tongue was just about to break through her lips when he heard someone cough and another person cleared their throats. It was then that he remembered that they were in the conference room with other people present. He looked up to see that every pair of eyes in the room were on him and Geet. He also saw a red blush creep up on Geet's cheeks.

"Sorry," she whispered so only he could hear.

"It's ok Angel," Maan said. "We'll celebrate when I get home."

She nodded her head in agreement before turning to leave.

"Congrats Geet," he heard Adi say as she passed him.

"Thanks Adi," Geet said.

They hugged quickly and then Geet was on her way out.

Later that night, Maan had arranged for a special dinner. He had invited her parents, his father, Adi and the Malhotra's as Nandini had also gotten her acceptance latter. It was a very fun and friendly dinner as everyone congratulated the newest med school recruits and enjoyed the night with laughter. After dinner Maan and Geet headed over to Mamma Nina's for tiramisu for their private celebration.

As the day's passed, Maan realized he'd never seen Geet so happy. When he asked her why she had said that it was because though she always wanted to be a doctor, getting into med school finally made it real – getting in finally made it seem like she was truly going to be a doctor.

As their third anniversary approached Maan was worried about what to get her. What he really wanted to get her was an engagement ring because he wanted to propose and get married to her – the sooner the better. However, he knew that she wasn't interested in anything like that until after she finished med school. It was only two years away so Maan could wait.

"Dude, calm down…why are you so stressed?" Adi asked.

Maan continued to pace in his office.

"How can I not stress Adi?" Maan asked. "This is our three year anniversary…that's a long time…I have to make it special."

"Why the sudden anxiety though?" Adi asked.

"I don't know what to get her," Maan admitted. "Lately I've noticed that she's been distant and distracted."

"Is everything ok?"

"I guess. When I ask her what happened she just says it's the stress about starting med school next fall," Maan said.

"That seems reasonable," Adi said. "It is a big deal."

"I know…that's why I want to get her something special and do something special so that it takes her mind off of it," Maan answered.

He had been brainstorming ideas with Adi for nearly an hour and still nothing popped out to him. Nothing seemed good enough for his Angel.

"Damn it!" Maan yelled as he got up from his chair and threw his pen on the desk.

"You ok there champ?" someone asked.

Turning around Maan saw a fellow associate and friend, Mark, enter his office.

"He's having a hard time figuring out what to get Geet for their three year anniversary," Adi said filling Mark in.

"Oh…three years…long time," Mark said. "Why don't you get her lingerie? Girls love that Victoria's Secret and Fredrick's of Hollywood stuff."

Maan looked at Mark as if he'd grown a second head while Adi quietly snickered in the background.

"No way…I could never get her that…stuff," Maan said.

"Why not?" Mark asked, "Besides…it will help you in the bedroom."

It didn't take a genius to realize what Mark was talking about.

"That's not what we're about," Maan said.

"Of course not…I'm just saying…" Mark began but became quiet. "Wait…don't tell me that even after three years you guys aren't sleeping with each other."

"Ok, I won't tell you," Maan teased.

"Shut up! How is that possible?" Mark asked.

Turning away from him, Maan answered, "Geet is a traditional Indian girl…so we're waiting until after marriage…the love we have is enough for now."

"If she really loved you she'd take that leap of faith with you," Mark said.

"If her loving me says she can take the leap with me…then me loving her says that I'm happy to wait until she's ready," Maan said.

There was silence in the room for a minute, finally it was Mark who spoke.

"You and Geet truly are a pair made in heaven," he said, "God bless you both."

With that, Mark placed the file Maan had asked for on his desk and left.

That night, Maan got home later than usual because something unexpected came up that needed his immediate attention because his father was in Boston on business.

He entered his room and placed his briefcase on the sofa as he loosened his tie. Taking off his tie and then his coat, he grabbed a towel so he could go shower. He knew that a nice hot shower would take out the kinks that were in his back.

He came out a half hour later in just a pair of grey track pants and a towel around his shoulder which he used to dry his hair. As he closed the bathroom door behind him and looked forward, he was startled to see Geet sitting on his bed with her knees drawn up to her chest.

"Geet you scared me," he said with a hand over his chest.

It wasn't totally uncommon to find Geet in his room, but whenever she came late at night it meant something was wrong. Ever since they began dating, if she was having a bad day or if she was stressed she would come to his room where they would talk it out and usually fall asleep in each others arms.

"Everything ok Angel?" Maan asked as he tossed his towel aside.

"Yeah…" she said softly.

Maan frowned because she wasn't meeting his eyes as she spoke. He walked over and took a seat next to her.

"Talk to me Angel," he said.

Instead of talking, Geet leaned over wrapping her arms around his bare waist in an embrace.

"Can you just hold me?" she asked.

Maan was now really worried but he didn't want to push her, not yet any way. He pushed himself against the head board and then put his arms around her pulling her closer. They stayed like that for a while until he felt something wet on his skin.

"Angel are you crying?" he asked.

"No…" she said with a sniffle.

A frown drew his eyebrows together as he pulled away from her. As he did so, he saw tears glistening in her eyes.

"Geet what happened? Why are you crying angel?" he asked frantically.

She looked up at him as tears fell to her cheeks. "I love you," she said, "I love you so much."

"I know and I love you too," Maan said.

The looked at each other for a few seconds when Geet pushed herself up slightly capturing his lips with hers. The kiss which started out soft turned passionate in a matter of seconds. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her as she lay down. He pulled back slightly breaking the kiss but immediately began kissing her neck. He felt his muscles clench as her hands roamed over his abdomen going lower and lower. It was only when he felt her tugging at the waistband of his pants that he stopped.

"Geet…what are you doing?" Maan asked as he panted trying to catch his breath.

To answer his question, she pushed herself up once again capturing his lips.

"Angel you have to stop now or else I won't be able to do so later," Maan warned.

"Who says I want you to?" she asked.

Maan frowned at her sudden change in behavior as he thought about his recent conversation with Mark from the office.

"But Geet…you wanted to wait…" he began.

"I did…but I don't anymore," she said. "I love you Maan and I know I'm going to spend the rest of my life with you."

"Geet you don't have to…" Maan began.

"I want to," she said in response. "Really…I do…"

With that, she pulled him down to her. This time it was Maan who captured her lips with a fervor and passion that he never had before. With his tongue he broke the barrier of her lips letting it play with hers. He continued to kiss her while using his hands to lift her shirt, only breaking away to discard the garment. Next, as he teased her neck his hands worked on her jeans which joined her shirt in seconds. Grabbing her shoulders, her brought her to a sitting position. Making his way behind her, he pushed her luscious hair to one side and began to nip at her back as he undid her bra. Maan let her back fall against his chest as his hand explored her body. Soon they found themselves in bed with all their clothing in a pile on the floor. He braced himself on his arms as he looked at her lying under him completely vulnerable.

"Beautiful," he said in a whisper.

His lips captured hers and made his way down to her neck and collar bone. She angled her head to the side giving him better access. When he licked the hollow of her neck he heard her moan and he lost all control. Pushing her legs apart with his knees he positioned himself between them.

"Are you sure about this Angel?" he asked, "It's not too late to back out."

In response to his question, she placed her hand on his cheek and drew him in for a kiss. That was all the encouragement he needed. With one quick thrust he had broken the barrier that had kept them from being one. A gasp escaped her lips and tears spilled over as she closed her eyes. Maan stilled to let her get used to him. He leaned over and kissed the tears from her eyes away. When she opened her eyes, she gave him a slight nod that indicated he could continue. Maan made sure to stay slow and gentle so that he didn't hurt her. However, soon he'd set a pace that had her scratching at his back and biting his shoulder to keep from screaming. When they finally hit their climax together, he sealed his lips with her hers drowning out both their moans.

Maan woke just as the first rays of sunlight entered his room. Stretching he felt suddenly alive and complete. Geet lay with her back to him, a sheet covering her body. He didn't know how long he stared at her.

"Good morning Angel," Maan said as she stirred.

"Good morning," she said with a smile.

She turned to her side so that she was facing him. She kissed him quickly before wrapping her arms around him and snuggling closer. The feel of her cheek on his bare chest was amazing. With that thought in mind, Maan drifted into a slumber once again.

A short while later, he felt her move away but stopped her by wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back.

"Where do you think you're going?" Maan asked in a groggy voice.

"I have a breakfast date," Geet replied.

"Cheating on me are we," Maan teased.

"How'd you guess?" she asked in a giggle.

"Don't go Angel…sleep in some more," Maan urged.

"I'd love to…but Nandu is waiting," Geet said.

"Nandu!" Maan said, "Oh lord…then go…by all means go."

He let go of her and gave her a slight push.

"Are you kicking me out of your bed Mr. Khurana?" she teased.

"Hell yes! Last thing I need is your Nandu coming after my neck because you were late," Maan said.

He heard Geet laugh and get out of bed. He fell asleep soon after he heard the bathroom door click.

"Goodbye Maan," he heard her call some time later.

"Goodbye Angel," Maan muttered not bothering to get up.

His alarm went off an hour later at 7am. Getting up he stretched and smiled at the rumpled sheets beside him. The memories of the night before made him smile and he felt like he was floating on cloud nine. After taking just another moment to bask in the glow of the morning-after, Maan got out of bed and began to get ready for the day. Before heading into the shower, he sent off a text message to Geet.

After coming out twenty minutes later he checked and was surprised to see that there was return message. He was just pulling out his clothes for the day when he decided to call her. He hit his speed dial and waited for the phone to ring.

'I'm sorry but the number you're trying is no longer in service.'

Maan frowned at the automated message. He tried again and got the same message. The third time he checked and double checked to make sure that the number he was dialing was actually her number but again, he got the same message.

He figured it was something with the service carrier so he continued to get ready. He was standing in front of his mirror dressed in black slacks and a blue shirt about to do his tie when he saw an envelope with his name on it sitting on his dressed.

As he picked it up, he realized it was Geet's hand writing. A smile spread on his face as he thought it was a love note of some kind. However, what he read was no love note.

My Dearest Maan,

I know, you must be looking at this letter and thinking that I've finally lost my mind. Especially after what happened last night, you must think I've gone insane. But let me assure you, that is not the case. Last night was amazing Maan. Just amazing. To finally be connected to the man that I not only love and respect but the man that I cherish. To finally be one with you in every way possible is the best feeling in the world. The happiness that lives inside of me at this very moment is immeasurable.

What I'm about to say Maan might confuse you and even anger you so I'm sorry for that.

This is goodbye Maan, for now at least. I have to go somewhere that I cannot take you with me, no matter how much I want to. That is all I can tell you. I know that you must have a million questions in your mind right now but I don't have answers for you. Promise me that you won't look for me or try to find me. I know you won't. It's not possible for Geet to ask for something and Maan not to deliver, because I know you love me that much. If we are destined to meet again then surely we will, but for now this is it.

As I leave you I ask one more thing of you. Watch after my Nandu, please. She's my best friend and the sister that I never had. With me gone she's going to be hurt, angry and basically just a hot mess. But I know that you two share a great friendship and that's what she needs.

Remember Maan that I love you so much that words aren't enough. Remember that if we are meant to be then we will be. Remember that I leave you, for now, the happiest that I could possibly be.

Love You Forever,

Your Angel

Maan couldn't wrap his head around what he'd just read. Nothing made sense.

He tried her phone three more times with no luck. He then tried her parents phones and her home phone but got the same message. Calling the office he asked his secretary to cancel his morning meetings. He grabbed his keys and phone, heading over to her parents home. They lived about 50 miles away from Berkeley in a small condo community. Once there, he used the code to get into the complex and then went to the Handa condo. After knocking and yelling for them for five minutes, a neighbor finally came out.

"They aren't here any more," the elderly man said.

"Do you know where they went?" Maan asked.

"No…but the moving vans have been back and forth from here for the past four days or so," he said.

Maan stood flabbergasted at what the man had just said. If the Handa's had been planning a move why hadn't they told him? What hadn't Geet told him?

"Thank you…" Maan said.

As he walked away he called Nandini. When she answered she didn't mention anything being amiss. Maan didn't want to worry or scare her when he was so far away. Instead he asked her to meet him at a local coffee house in a hour which was enough time for him to get back to Berkeley and gather his thoughts.

When he walked into the coffee shop an hour later, he saw her sitting at a table drinking a latte and eating a scone. As he approached her, she greeted him with a smile.

"What's up Maan?" she asked, "Need help with planning a surprise for your third anniversary?"

"No no…that's not why I called you," Maan said.

"Ok…what's up?" Nandini asked.

"Did Geet seem a bit off when you two had breakfast today?" Maan asked.

"Breakfast? What are you talking about?" Nandini asked.

"Geet told me you guys had a breakfast date," Maan said.

"No we didn't…I haven't seen her since yesterday afternoon, and even that was in passing."

Maan sat silently even more lost and confused than he had been a short while ago.

"What's wrong Maan? Is Geet ok?" Nandini asked.

Maan didn't know how to answer that question, he simply handed her the note. After reading it, Nandini was on the same page as Maan, puzzled and blank.

Nandini tried calling her and her parents but nothing. Maan and Nandini left the coffee house with the promise that if any of them got in touch with Geet, they'd let the other one know.

Later that evening Maan received a call from Nandini. He was hoping it was for her to tell him that she'd got in touch with Geet and this was all a prank, but that didn't happen. Nandini was calling him to let him know that she too had received a letter via a mail delivery service.

Nandu My Love,

I know…I know…in your mind you are cursing me out right now…I know.

Our relationship started out as simply being classmates to being best friends to being sisters. Every moment that we shared together – tears, laughter, joy and pain – is a moment I will always treasure. Our friendship is such that I cannot put into words simply because it is not possible. There aren't enough words for me to tell you how precious you are to me.

I know that we have always shared our secrets with each other, no matter how big or how small. I'm sorry that this is one secret that I cannot share with you, truly I am. But as I leave I will tell you the only other secret about me you don't know – last night, I did it. I know that you're smart enough to figure out what I mean by that and when you do, I know that you're going to be grinning like a fool.

Goodbye for now Nandu. Know that you can never be replaced in my life. Know that you are the sister that God just forgot to give me.

Love Always,

Geet

As Maan finished reading the letter he heard Nandini sniffling next to him. He put an arm around her shoulder and drew her in and soon she was weeping.

"Where did she go Maan?" Nandini asked, "Why did she leave? Is she ok?"

"I don't know…I don't know," Maan said.

----------------

It had been about a month and a half since Geet had left so suddenly leaving behind only the letters. Maan had fought with himself about searching for her. One part of him wanted to drop everything and hunt her down, if nothing else then just to yelling at her for leaving the way she did. However, in the end the other part of him won. The part that truly couldn't against something Geet had asked for because like she had pointed out, he loved her too much to do so.

He'd kept in touch with Nandini on a regular basis to see if there was any word on her end, but there hadn't been.

Maan immersed himself in work because it was the only thing that took his mind off of Geet and her absence. He worked nearly twenty hours a day only leaving barely any time for sleep or anything else.

It was one such night that he was coming home around 2am. As usual, his butler left all his mail on the desk in his study. Tossing his coat on a chair he began to sort through the mail when an envelope caught his attention. It had only his name on it, no return address. From the writing he could tell it was Geet's, but at the same time it was unfamiliar.

My Dearest Maan,

Thank you for not searching for me. You don't know how much that means to me. I just wanted you to know that I'm trying to come back to you. I am trying so hard. The only thing I want from life is to be with you, so I'm fighting. I'm fighting for you, for us and for our future. I'm fighting with everything that I have. But I don't know how long I can do it. I'm tired…so tired of fighting, but for you I will.

Love You Forever,

Your Angel

Maan sat in his study reading and rereading the short letter she'd written. As frustrated as he was with the letter being so short, he was at least happy that she had made contact. At least now he knew that she was ok wherever she was.

----------------

Another two months had passed without a single word from her. He checked his main religiously every day but didn't get anything. He had all this pent up anger and frustration inside him. He was just waiting for her to come back because he was going to erupt on her. Who did she think she was torturing him like that.

He had been sitting in a meeting with associates and clients when he first felt his phone vibrate. The firm was in the middle of orchestrating a huge merger between two highly successful companies so Maan ignored it. It vibrated back to life another two times, but each time Maan ignored it.

"Sorry to interrupt," Lisa, his secretary said as she popped in, "But Mr. Khurana you have a call on line 4."

"Take a message," Maan ordered.

"Sir its Nandini and she insisted that it was an emergency," Lisa said.

"What line?" Maan asked.

"Four Sir," Lisa said before leaving.

"Excuse me for a moment," Maan said as he exited the room

Finding the first phone he could he picked up and answered the call.

"Nandini I need to call you back…" Maan began.

"Maan…" she called back.

Maan's blood ran cold as he heard her voice crack making it clearly evident that she was crying.

"Nandini what happened?" Maan asked.

"Geet…" she said.

"Geet! What happened to Geet?" Maan asked frantically.

"I got another letter…" she said.

With that, the call was dropped. Maan tried calling her back but it kept going to voicemail so he figured her battery must have died. He saw Adi coming down the hall so he asked him to apologize to the clients but he had to go home. In a matter of minutes he was in his car speeding towards his house.

"Where's the mail!?" he yelled.

"In the study Sir," his butler said.

Maan raced up the stairs, taking two at a time. He scattered the mail looking to spot Geet's familiar handwriting but didn't see it. Taking a deep breath and calming himself, he found an envelope that had only his name and address on it. However, it wasn't Geet's writing.

The first thing he noticed when he opened it was that unlike the other two handwritten letters, this was typed.

My Dearest Maan,

If you are reading this letter it means that I am no longer here.

I tried to fight, I really did, but I just couldn't. I was so tired and in so much pain that I couldn't see straight. I was so weak that I couldn't even write this letter, I had to have Mom type it for me.

What I never told you when I left was that I had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They call it the 'silent killer' because it essentially doesn't have any symptoms until it's too late. Just like it was for me…too late. We tried surgery, chemo and even radiation but the cancer had spread and the doctors couldn't do anything.

I know you're angry with me for not telling you but how could I. Remember our second first date at Mamma Nina's. You told me that after watching your Mom die of cancer in front of your own eyes, you couldn't do it again. I love you too much to put you through the heart ache of watching someone you love suffer and die. Don't think of me as some noble soul because I'm anything but that. I had my selfish reasons too. I didn't want you to remember me as the sick, dying girl whose hair had fallen out and who was nothing but a body of skin and bones. I didn't want you to remember me that way. I want you to remember me the way I was – your beautiful angel girl.

Did I ever tell you how much I love the nickname you gave me? Angel. Every time you called me by that name I felt so special and beautiful, you have no idea.

I'm so sorry for tell you this way but I had no other option. I prayed that God would grant me a miracle and cure me so that I could come back to you. But I guess that was never meant to happen. We were never meant to be together.

I hope now you can understand why those last few weeks I had been so distracted. Every time you asked me I lied telling you I was scared about med school. The truth is that I was scared of getting my results from the doctor. I was scared that I didn't have a future with you, a future I wanted so badly. I hope now you can understand why I left so suddenly.

Know that I loved you with my last breath and wherever I may go now, I will love you still. I hope you find some peace in the fact that I died a happy girl knowing that I was loved by an amazing man – my Maan.

Remember in my first letter I asked you to look after my Nandu for me. I hope you can understand now why I asked that of you. I know you will grieve my loss but you have your best friend Adi. He will be there for you until you come out on the other side of this darkness that I know has just engulfed your life. But my Nandu, she doesn't have anyone. While you have your best friend, she doesn't have one because that was supposed to be me. She doesn't have anyone to guide her through this difficult time so I need you to do it for me. I know that my Nandu is hot headed, impulsive and a goof. I know that my Nandu can get on your nerves at times, but please bear with her – especially now. She will lash out at you, she will yell at you, she may even throw things at you. Just know that, like you, she is hurting.

I'm counting on you to take care of my Nandu just like I'm counting on her to take care of you. You are the two people I loved most in my life and I know that only with the help of each other will you get through this. You guys will get through this and live happy lives. I know you will because if you don't, I will feel that I am to blame.

I'm so sorry for leaving you Maan, I wish I didn't have to but I really didn't have a choice. If ever you see a fluttering butterfly, know that I am there to be with you…to feel you…to love you. Know that true to the nickname you've give me, I will watch over you always.

Love You Forever,

Your Angel

Maan sat with the letter in his hand completely disoriented from the shock. When tears started falling from his eyes, he didn't know. When day had turned to night, he didn't know. When the pain of his heart shattering became numb, he didn't know. How would he get on with his life without her, he didn't know. How he'd ever be whole again, he didn't know. He just didn't know anything anymore.

*~*~*~*~* Present *~*~*~*~*

Beautiful Girl by Broken Iris (beautiful song!)

Click Here

As he stared out of the window looking at the night sky, Maan couldn't help but think back to waking up this morning – the morning of his engagement.

Woke today, another memory passes of you
Shades of gray from those three broken words
That unfold the truth but...

He had woken up from a restless night's sleep feeling sore and unrested. As he stretched and looked at the bright sun that flooded his room he remember the brightness of the lights in the library when he'd first seen her that fateful day years ago. The involuntary smile that had spread across his face at the memory disappeared as clouds blocked the suns ray's.

'…not here anymore.'

Those three words had turned his life upside down, shattered his heart and left him lost. So last that even thought it was three years since it had happened, he still hadn't found his way back. But even if he did one day find his way back, what was he to come back to?

I'll never forget those eyes, that beautiful smile.
I still remember the way you said "good-bye"
No matter how hard I try I can't forget

Maan thought about the morning after they'd made love, waking up next to her. As she lay sleeping beside him he remembered looking down at her and being amazed. That morning had been a lot like this morning, bright and sunny. The sun hit her face in such a way that she looked absolutely angelic. He remembered her eyes were groggy from sleep but her smile was still as beautiful as ever. He remembered that when she'd left that morning saying goodbye, a funny sensation ran through Maan – almost a chill. That morning he'd passed it off as feeling cold because of being covered in just a sheet. Now he wondered that if maybe that had been a sign from the powers that be. A sign that told him that was the last goodbye.

Last embrace, forcing you away before it's too late
I end this day in a most bitter way
A regretful state

He remembered holding onto her as she tried to slip out of bed quietly. He had initially refused to let her go but in the end had ended up pushing her away. How as he supposed to know that he would never see her again? How was he supposed to know that he'd never hold her again? Had he known, he would have wrapped his arms around her and never let go, keeping her with him forever.

He had ended that night as a main in pain, a main in anger and a man in love. In his mind he had decided that he'd never speak to her again when she came back. In his mind he had decided that he would torture her just like she'd tortured him. He was bitter about the fact that she'd left him just like that. Making a decision about his life without asking him first. Though in his heart he knew that the second she came back he would hold her and never let go.

Here I lay, I drift away, you come in and lay beside me
It's got to be a memory that feels so real but just beyond me
Mesmerized, In you I find what I had was unrealized but
Emptiness settles in as I awake

He had laid silently in his bed staring right at the sun as it burned his cornea. When he had closed his eyes he could hear her laughing and calling to him. Maan let his mind wander into a blissful place where only the two of them existed. He saw himself, wrapped in silk cream colored sheet, just like he had been the morning after they'd become one. He heard the sound of water stop and a minute later the bathroom door clicked open. Looking up he saw her come out dressed in one of his black shirts which barely went past her thighs. She came over to him sitting on the edge of the bed. She placed a hand under his chin and angled it up as she brought her head down to kiss him. When she broke the kiss, she mouthed a silent 'I love you'. Maan could almost feel the touch of her soft lips against his. He could almost taste the strawberry goodness of her lips. Opening his eyes he realizes that what he just experienced was a memory that he wished he had, but a memory that was never meant to be.

Beautiful Girl
On top of the world
Don't fall down
Because an angel
Should never touch ground

As Maan looked out into the night sky remembering his beautiful angel girl, he knew she was looking down at him.

"I miss you Angel," he said to himself.

Tears filled his eyes as he once again felt the loss of his beloved Geet. She had been a vibrant, loving and beautiful girl. She had been top of the world, her dreams almost coming true. She had been so elated that she was almost flying and Maan knew that he'd do whatever it took to make sure her dreams stayed in flight and never touched the ground.

He heard someone clearing their throat behind him. Turning, he saw his best friend Adi standing at the entrance of his room looking somber.

"They are ready for you," he said, "The ceremony will start in a half hour."

Maan closed his eyes knowing that the moment that was to change his life forever was no inevitable. Tonight, this beautiful night, was to be witness to his engagement. This beautiful night was to watch as he promised himself to a strong, independent, caring and incredible woman.

Unfortunately that woman was not the woman that he loved. That woman was not the woman he pictured spending the rest of his life with. As amazing as that woman was, she was nothing compared to his beautiful angel girl.

The only reason he was going through with this engagement was because his Dadi was sick and her one wish was to see her grandson settled down.

"You ok?" Adi asked.

"I'm fine," Maan lied as he opened his eyes again, "I'll be there in a bit."

"Nandini wanted to see you before the ceremony," Adi informed.

Maan found it ironic that the girl he was about to get engaged to was the only girl who knew how much he had loved Geet. The girl he was promising his life to was the only other girl who knew his life had been promised to Geet years ago. The girl he was promising to love was the only other girl who knew that he could never love anyone again. Maan found it ironic that he was getting engaged to the only other person on the planet that could have loved Geet as much as he did. He found it ironic that he was getting engaged to the only other person who had a hole in her life because of Geet's death.

"She said it's important," Adi added.

Maan simply nodded his head. Adi gave him a reassuring smile as Maan began walking towards the door to go see Nandini, his future wife. As Adi passed the desk that was in Maan's room, he hit it accidently causing a frame to slip and fall.

Maan reached it just in time to keep it from hitting the ground and shattering.

"I'm sorry man," Adi said.

"It ok…" Maan said holding the frame close.

Adi left as Maan pulled the frame back and looked at the picture it held.

Beautiful Girl
On top of the world

Beautiful.

Don't fall down
Because an angel
Should never touch ground

The frame housed a picture of his beautiful angel girl – his Geet. It was a black and white picture of her, dressed in a strapless gown for a friend's wedding. Maan had clicked the picture when someone was teasing her about getting married to Maan and producing more handsome Khurana's. The comment had left Geet blushing profusely, something he managed to capture in the snap shot.

Placing the frame away from the edge of the desk, he made sure it was secure so that it wouldn't fall.

Maan Singh Khurana loved his beautiful angel girl so much. Maan Singh Khurana loved his Geet so much that even thought of her picture touching the floor was not acceptable to him.

Beautiful Girl
On top of the world
Don't fall down
Because an angel
Should never touch ground

The idea of his Beautiful Angel touching the ground was unimaginable.