MG FF-Shackles of Love#3# - Page 7

CHAPTER 11:

"Ye kiska ghar hai?" she squeaked looking at the patched up hut in front of her.

"Agar maine gaadi yaha roki hai to ye kiska ghar hua?" he asked innocently. Drawing sadistic pleasure from the dawning realization on her face.

He got down from the car and went inside one of the houses, leaving her shell shocked! After some time he came out again and sitting in his seat, drove away from there, smirking at her perplexed expressions. Seeing him laughing, Geet realized that he had been pulling her leg. She pouted cutely and turned away in mock anger to complain to her Babaji! "Dekha aapne Babaji? Mera mazaak uda rahe the ye. Subah se mujh pe chilla rahe hai...dara rahe hai…dhamka rahe hai…mujhe bhooka rakha... aisa koi karta hai kya? Wo bhi aaj ke din? Mera phone bhi cheen liya….Oh crap! I hope woh theek ho! Agar mere phone ko kuch hua na to inhe mai chodungi nahi!" she finished grinding her teeth and turning to glare at him, but the unusual panorama caught her attention. They were driving through the site, where Geet could see foundations being laid deep into the ground. She looked around with interest never having seen such a sight before. He drove deeper inside till they reached a row of attached houses. They were nothing extravagant, but looked decent enough to Geet.

Maan drove around his house to the back entrance, and stopped the car. He looked around to see that no one was present. He was in no mood to answer any questions regarding her if anyone chanced upon them. He had had an extremely long and unproductive day according to him and he just wanted it to end!

He looked at Geet impatiently who was now looking around cautiously at the place. "Tumhe bahar nikalne ke liye special invitation chahiye?" Geet looked at him angrily, and mumbled "Lo ho gaye shuru! Babaji na din dekhte hai na raat! Bas chillate rehte hai!"

She got down angrily from the car, but instead of moving towards the direction he indicated, she moved in the opposite direction much to his annoyance! "Ye kya pagal ho gayee hai? Aur ab poochonga ke kya hua to ulta jawaab degi!"

She ignored him and opened the door of the driver's side and bent down to rummage under the seat. He couldn't control and shouted, "Geet! Tum kya rahi ho?" She turned a deaf ear to his shout, making his ever ready temper shoot high! He went towards her and grabbing her wrist pulled her out with a jerk, frightening her such that the object present in her hand fell down with a loud crack!

He looked down to find her phone on the pavement, thankfully still in one piece, and then at her to see her shooting a death glare to him. He immediately let go her hand and took a few steps back, gulping in fear, at the look in her eyes. She came forward towards him and, punctuating each word with a poke, said, "If" poke "anything" poke "happens" poke "to" poke "my" poke "phone" poke "toh" poke "aapko" poke "Babaji" poke "bhi" poke "nahi" poke "bacha" poke "payenge!" poke poke poke!

Maan Singh Khurrana was not a man who feared death, but when this pocket sized tornado moved towards him, he had to admit, he did fear his life for a second! But instantly came the thought, "Ye Maan Singh Khurrana ko dhamki de rahi hai? Iski itni himmat?"

He grabbed the finger kept on his chest and twisted her hands behind her back, asked mockingly "Kya karogi tum?"

Geet who was already very angry, got enraged at his attitude, "Ek toh galti karte hai, upar se mujhe hi tewar dikha rahe hai!" she tried squirming hard to free her hands from his grip in the process moving closer to his body. She clawed at his hands which held hers like a steel band. In the ensuing struggle, Maan tried to put some distance between them and moved backward such that he was leaning on the car door and Geet was plastered against his body still trying to free herself, when suddenly, his breathe fell on her forehead and she felt his closeness. His musky scent invaded her senses and she realized the intimacy of their position. She stopped struggling and looked up to find him staring at her with an unfathomable look in his eyes. Strange sensations slithered down her spine as she felt her body resting on his. Her heartbeats galloped widely such that she was sure he could hear them too. She trembled in his arms feeling jittery. A gust of wind blew their way, placing a lock of her hair in front of her eyes. She tried to free her hands to push it away

But his grip tightened again. She made a cute moue and motioned to her hair which was blocking her view, to which he transferred both her hands into one of his own, and gently with his finger, drew the lock away. His warm finger on her cold skin jolted her senses, making her edgy.

His eyes asked her whether she was ok now to which she blushed and looked down, making him pull her closer, to face him back. His hand went towards her back, his fingers lightly grazing the naked skin of her waist, shocking her into looking at him with a whispered "Maan!"

Her voice broke through the trance he had fallen into, disgusting himself at his actions. But before he could react, another shocked voice made them come to their senses! "Maan Veerji? Is it you?"

He looked up to see Naintara looking at them as if she had seen a ghost.

"Dev! Dev! Bahar aayiye! Come quick!" she shouted, making Maan push Geet away in embaressment and straighten himself.

"Naina kyu chilla rahi ho? Kya hua?" asked a concerned Dev as he ran out to see what had his wife in turmoil! The sight which met his eyes was enough to make him dizzy!

Maan wearing a shervani, with a girl! Who looked like a bride!

Was he hallucinating? Maan with a woman?

Geet looked at the couple in front of her staring at her as if she was a ghost. Instinctively she moved closer to Maan and tried to hide behind him. Maan's embarrassed stupor broke when he felt Geet's touch on his arm, no matter how much he wished to yank it away, he knew he couldn't in front of Dev and Naintara. He held her hand and drew her forward, deciding to get it over with. Gritting his teeth to bear the barrage of questions he knew were going to be barreled his way, he said as if nothing untoward had occurred. "Dev. Naintara. Tum log aise kyu ghoor raho ho mujhe?" he motioned Geet towards them and said, "Geet, ye Dev aur Naintara Kapoor hai. Humare neighbors. Aur ye Geet hai. Meri….." no matter how much he tried the word stuck in his throat. But luckily he didn't have to finish his statement, as Naintara burst out "Aapki patni? Maan Veerji you got married? And you didn't even invite us? This is so not done! And what's this neighbor bit? Geet we are your husband's family." She added with a glare to Maan. "And best friends too! Mind you!" Dev added in a complaining tone.

"What is this Maan? You got married and you didn't even tell me?" he added in a hurt tone.

"Aisa nahi hai Dev. It all happened suddenly. I didn't get time to inform anyone."

"Haan haan! Why will you tell me? You tell me you are going to HP for some personal work. Well I can see what personal work you had! Bas dekhli teri dosti!"

"Dev samajhne ki koshish karo! It's not as it seems…." But was interrupted by Naintara. "Poori baatein yahi khade khade hongi kya? Dekho Geet kitni thaki hui lag rahi hai. Aap dono thoda aaram kar lo. Dev baatein to hoti rahengi"

Maan sighed in relief and shot a grateful look to Naintara which she ignored. Her jerky movements gave away her inner feelings and Maan knew he had a lot of explanations to make. He started moving towards the door of his house and tugged Geet who was silently watching the repartee and easy camaraderie between the three, when Naintara stopped him. "Ye aap kaha jaa rahe ho?" she asked in a scandalized voice! Maan looked at her askance and said, "Naintara tumne hi bola na ghar jaake baad me baat karte hai!"

To which Naintara shook her head vehemently and marching forward, grabbed Geet's hands and pulled her back. "Aise koi ghar me jaata hai kya? Ghar ki laxmi aayi hai. Grah pravesh to barabar hona chahiye ke nahi?" she looked at Dev who nodded at his wife's statement. Maan was annoyed and tried protesting that it was not needed but Naintara was determined. She grabbed Geet and started towards her own house. And motioned Dev to get Maan.

"Let me do a few preparations for the arti, till then you both can freshen up and eat something at our place. Dekho Geet ko. Thakaan se chehra utar gaya hai iska. Kyu Geet, bhook lagi hai na tumhe? As far as I know you, I am sure you would have kept the poor girl hungry!"

Geet, who was too awed by this woman, who seemed to be ordering around her husband and surprise of surprise, he was actually listening to her, smiled at the statement. She shook her head saying "Nahi raaste me thoda kuch munch kiya tha!"

"Arre poora din sirf munching me nahi jaata. Chalo mere saath. Thoda khana kha lo. Aur fresh ho jao."

Geet nodded smiling at the woman who she had already begun to like. She said "Ek minute Naintara Didi" and turned back to scoop up her phone. She lifted it and after affirming that it was working she looked at Maan and glared at him with angry eyes and pointed towards her phone, warning him against touching it! Maan immediately looked away, reminded of his temporary insanity. The small scene did not miss Naintara sharp eye who smiled to herself thoughtfully as she led Geet inside her house.

Maan reluctantly followed them knowing that there was no flouting Naintara. He glared at Dev in frustration making him laugh and put up his hands as if to say, "Dude! Don't look at me!"

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Geet watched Naintara talking wildly in hushed whispers on the phone and ordering around Dev. She kept popping in and out of the house while Geet sat in the living room with a silent Maan awaiting dinner.

The silence was broken when the door opened and in trooped a crowd of people, looking at who Maan groaned out aloud and shot a death glare at Dev who smirked evilly. At least it looked like a crowd to her when in actuality it was just 3 people. One of the women glared at Maan and came towards Geet and hugged her tight! "Geet bhabhi! Mai Annie hu! Apki choti nanand. Aur ye hai Pari. Bro ki secretary. Aur wo hai Arjun. Mere pati. Maan bro ne to aapko nahi bataya hoga humare baare me. Mai hi bata deti hu!"

Naintara interrupted them by calling them to have dinner.

After a simple dinner, made by Naintara, Geet sat looking around at the people who had gathered once Naintara was through with making her preparations.

Maan Singh Khurrana. Naintara Rathode. Arjun Rathode. Annie Khanna. They might all be different names. But their lives were all connected. Joined by the common bond of poverty and neglect, they had come together as kids to love and support each other. As they grew up, the bond strengthened and got deeper. Some relationships changed and flourished. Annie became Mrs. Arjun Rathode. The long simmering love between them finally found a culmination in their acceptance of their feelings and their marriage. The four of them had seen the worst and best of times together, supported each other through rough patches and there was nothing they wouldn't do for each other. Needless to say, with such a possessive and overprotective bunch as a foster family, Dev had had a hell of a time gaining their trust and approval when he had fallen for Naintara. But Dev had strived hard to be added to their little world and had gelled as if he was always meant to be a part of it.

Only Maan had been left out and they had been trying since ages to hook him up. But Maan had vehemently opposed any plans made by them to their despair. Knowing Maan since childhood, they understood his feelings but wanted him to experience the same rapturous ecstasy which they had. So even though Geet had been a surprise to them, she wasn't an unwelcome one. If Maan had married Geet, they were all happy and thanked Babaji for his blessings.

Seeing them together, it was difficult for Geet to relate him as the same Maan who she had seen since morning. Agreed that he didn't speak much and was reticent in his dealings, but his love and affection for them showed in each gesture. She thought of the care and love flowing between them and longingly thought of the day she would be welcomed in their world. Not as Maan's wife but as Geet. A person in her own right.

Geet had been silently watching them all when Annie interrupted her thoughts. "Geet tum chup kyu baithi ho. Kuch bolo na. Tum Bro ko kaha mili? Kaise mili? Kab mili? Bro to kuch batane se rahe. Tumhe hi batana hoga."

"Yes Geet. Tell us. Looking at you I am unable to underastand what did an angel like you see in this duffer!" chimed in Arjun.

Geet blushed at the compliment and looked down, to which Dev added charmingly, "Now I know why he got married in a hurry. And frankly speaking, I wouldn't blame Maan for this urgent wedding. Had I been in his place i would have done the same. Without wasting a single moment, I would have married you. Tumhara kya bharosa? Tum jaise Pari mujhe jaise ek mamuli insaan se shaddi karne se mana kar deti to?" making her blush harder.

"Stop embarrassing the poor girl you two!" Naintara chided as she kept her phone down after taking a call. "Chalo lets go, everything is ready."

=====

Standing at the entrance of her new home, Geet looked at Naintara and Annie who were waiting there to welcome her in. Finishing the aarti, and grahpravesh, she walked towards a wall where a small photo of Babaji was placed, beside which Naintara told her to imprint her hands. She bowed her head in front of Babaji and took his blessings for her new life, before the women grabbed her hand and led her away while the men went back to the small living room.

She glanced around to see a small and compact apartment, with a living room, kitchen and a small bedroom. The furnishings were bare minimal and ordinary. The walls were a somber white with no dash of colour to alleviate its harshness. No small knick knack or photograph to indicate the personality of the man residing there. Not even a hint of individuality.

===========

When they entered the bedroom, she looked around in surprise at the decorated room. The bed was covered with rose petals. Strings of flowers were flowing from the strictures on the ceiling to the ground all around the bed, forming a hazy curtain around it. Essenced candles were lit and their dim lights were casting shadows all round the room, giving it a romantic aura. NT led her to the bed and made her sit down. "Sorry Geet. Hum zyaada kuch nahi kar paaye. Hume pehle pata hota to acche se intezaam karte."

Geet looked at the woman smiling apologetically and caught her hand. "Nahi Naintara Didi aap aisa kyu bol rahi hai. Bahot khoobsurat hai. Sacchi"

"Call me Naina. Everyone calls me that except Maan Veerji!"

Pari piped in, "Kitna bhi khoobsurat ho, Maan sir ki wife ke saamne pheeka hi hai" winking at the other ladies seeing Geet blush.

"Haan haan! Aakhir humare Maan Veerji ki choice hai. It has to be the best. Wasie Geet tumko maan na padhega yaar! Sher ke bill me haath daala hai tumne! Maan Veerji jaise insaan se shaadi karte hue tumhe darr nahi laga?" concluded Annie.

"Arre Annie…tum bhi na! Tum dreamy ke baare me aisa kaise bol sakti hu! Unse shaadi karne ka ek benefit to hai….." she paused significantly looking around the room "What say Geet?" she winked "Tumhe aaj raat ka kitne dino se intezaar tha?"

Seeing Geet blush, they both burst out laughing. Annie added "That's right Pari. Geet let me tell you, agar Maan Veerji ko maine bhai nahi maana hota to shayad mai bhi…."

"Chup karo tum dono! Besharam hote jaa rahe ho! Geet don't mind them. They are just teasing u. Now you just wait here for your patidev and we will be on our way." Saying so Naintara made her sit in the middle of the bed and arranged her lehanga around her and draped her veil once more like the typical bride. She put a small dot of kajal behind her ear saying "Kisi ki nazar na lage! Maan Veerji ki bhi nahi"

"Haan! We are going. You sit here and dream on about Pari's dreamy." added Annie

"Aur hume kal subah saari details chahiye." added Pari cheekily making Geet go beet red in embarrassment. "You gotta tell me is he as dreamy looking without…ouch!" she was interrupted as NT twisted her ear and pulled her out of the room, laughing at her antics.

NT stopped at the door and looked back at Geet who was fidgeting with her dupatta. "And Geet if he is anything like Dev, I bet you won't get to sleep even for a second, if you know what i mean" she added with a wink. Geet looked at her shocked as her words registered in her mind.

"Oh! And don't worry about coming down late in the morning. We will understand." Her words faded as she broke into a fit of laughter closing the door behind on her way out.

As the door closed behind her, Geet looked around nervously. Her heartbeat increased in consternation and she felt her hands tremble at the night to come. The embarrassing little speech her mamiji had given her about "submitting to her husband's demands and keeping him happy" rang in her ears making her even more tensed.

She looked at her hands in nervousness; the dark black colour of her mehendi reminded her of Rajji's words "Lagta hai Jiju aapse bahot pyaar karte hai! Dekho Di rang itna gadha chadha hai. Channi Di ki bhi mehendi itni nahi rachi thi…aapko to pata hai na Gurvinder Veerji unse kitna pyaar karte hai! Aap bahot lucky ho Di! I just hope Babaji aapko wo sab khushiyaan de jinpe aapka haq hai. Mujhe pata hai aapne yaha bahoot dukh…" but Geet didn't let her continue, she nodded her head at her. "Rajji aisi baatein mat kar. Jab mere pass tu aur Tito the to mujhe kisi ki kami ka ehsaas hi nahi hua" and both girls hugged each other hard, crying their hearts out.

Maan, the word embroidered in her hand. She traced it with one finger thinking about how her world had taken a turn in just one day.

A stranger had entered into her life and shackled it with his for a lifetime. She was now no longer a young girl waiting for her prince charming, but one whose prince had turned out to be a devil in disguise, she thought making a face, remembering his rudeness and anger.

But a voice inside her spoke up, "Wo itne bure nahi hai Geet. Bas upari upar ka ghussa hai. Tune dekha na unhe tera khayal hai." His bringing her something to eat and then pacifying her when she was afraid brought a smile to her lips. "Aur wo baaki sab se bhi kaise pesh aa rahe the. Aur fir Naina Di, Annie, Pari, Dev Veerji, Arjun Veerji sab hai. Tujhse acche se baat ki unhone." She remembered the taunts and snide she had to listen to at her house if it was a good day, mostly it was either Brij Veerji or mamiji shouting at her for no fault of hers. "Bas thoda samay lagega unhe samajhne ke liye. Aur samay ki koi kami to hai nahi. Ye to saat janmon ka bandhan hai, hai na Babaji?" she said looking at her mangalsutra.

"Mana ke thode rude hai, ghussa bahoot jaldi aata hai, chillane ke liye koi reason nahi chahiye unko, mera mazaak udane ke liye bhi, nakchade hai, dusht hai bilkul! Danav bhi! Lekin jaise bhi hai, hai to mere pati hi na. Dekh Geet tujhe ye sab abhi adjust karna padhega. Thoda suna bhi diya to kya hua, teri fikr to hai na unhe. I am sure he is also feeling strange with this sudden marriage and stuff. Unhe bhi time lagega na adjust karne mai. Tujhe samajhne mai."

She looked around at the room to pass the time, wondering where he was. There was a cupboard in one corner, a dressing table in one, and a small bookshelf in the third. The books looked heavy and intimidating to her. The bed was the only other piece of furniture present. She made a face. "Kitna rookha rookha hai! Bilkul unki tarah!"

Then she remembered the easy relationship she had witnessed tonight between his close knit family circle. Even though outwardly he had not shown any emotions, she had not missed the touch of indulgence in his eyes when he had looked at Annie or the respect when Naina Di had ordered him to help her. Will he look at her with the same look in his eyes?

"You keep faith on Babaji. Woh sab theek kar denge."

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