PART 2
*Tick Tick Tick*
The clicking of the soles of Armani boots bellowed and echoed throughout the hallway.
*Tick Tick Tick*
The same repetitive noise continued as the King Khurana descended down the stairs of his palace. He wasn't royalty in reality, but rich and regal blood pumped through his every vein.
*Tick Tick Tick*
Again, the sound repeated until he approached the exit where he halted to turn around at a tender yet firm voice.
"MAAN!"
After rotating 180 degrees, he glanced over his shoulder. He glared disgustedly at the mansion. As Maan stood surrounded by the vast wooden doors, he took a look at the room. A giant, glass chandelier tinkled gently, towering above the room. Curved architectural structures were visible all over. Elegant sofas lay leisurely in the centre of the hub, surrounded by miscellaneous items of furniture dotted about. Beautiful beige veils were waving smoothly in each corner. There was a hustle bustle around the house as butlers frantically shuffled away from the fierce lion at the door. Maan's eyes struck at a golden mirror, stood rooted on the wall which reflected a familiar face. Chocolate brown eyes glared back at him, a sharp nose was perked high up in the air and a M-shaped lips formed a grim line. After a short while, Maan's staring session came to an abrupt end as he grudgingly stopped gazing at himself to meet the gaze of the woman who, unfortunately, controlled his life.
"Maan! Aap yaha se jaiyenge nahi jab tak aap humari puri baat dihan se nahi sunthe!Understood?" questioned a stern and shrewd character.
Maan let out a deep, throaty groan and rolled his brown eyes.
"Excuse me, mr Maan Singh Khurana! I do hope you're not rolling your eyes at me!" she yelled with authority.
"Uff! Honestly Daadi! How many times do I have to repeat myself to make one simple thing clear? Time and time again I have to remind you that you're not in your 'APNA DES'. You're in London for goddamn's sake! Besides, you know I barely understand the gibberish you speak in, so why do you even try to speak Hindi around me?" came the roar-like outburst from the lion who had almost escaped his cage.
An eerie silence followed as the grandmother and grandson glared at each other; one with hurt and one with regret.
"Mr MSK! Please do not forget that I am your grandmother and elder to you. Is this all I have taught you? Where are your manners? You may be India's biggest businessman, most eligible bachelor, the MD of Khurana constructions but do NOT, I repeat, do NOT forget your values or the fact that I am Savitri Devi Khurana too. Hum bhi… sorry, I can also shout!" came the pained reply.
"Daadi! There's no need to start a lecture. I was just stressed and here you're having a go where I thought you'd be supporting me. I guess I…"
"Bas Maan! You don't need to start a lecture either. Stop this emotional cover-up and listen quietly. I simply called you to remind you of the fact that we are returning to India in less than 3 hours and you're here wandering hopelessly around town!" interrupted Daadima.
"Honestly, did you seriously think that I, out of all people, would forget something? You're forgetting I'm MSK and am well aware that our flight, Air India 2307, is to take off at exactly 10am from Heathrow airport so you need not remind me!" replied Maan, frustrated.
"Enough Maan! I swear, children these days. I haven't asked you about the minute details of the flight; that is insignificant. More importantly, I wanted to discuss our aim for returning to India, unless of course, the great MSK has forgotten that!" Daadi's reply was sufficient enough to leave Maan gobsmacked as he recalled a topic which he really did despise. His marriage. At the age of 28, his Daadi felt that Maan was withering away unmarried and believed a bachelor his age was as useless as a chocolate fireguard. However, Maan was far from emotions and did not see the point in wedding. Yet, he had agreed to it due to his father.
*PAST- 9 months ago*
*beep beep beep*
The alarming beep from the monitor startled Maan out of his slumber as he worriedly turned to see his father. His father started to tremble and wheeze on the hospital bed as Maan panicked. Frantically, he continuously pressed on the buzzer to call the doctor, the nurse, anyone who could help. Instantly, a whole team of the UK's top cardiologist entered to observe the situation. Maan was shunned out of the room as he stared helplessly through the window, desperately watching his old man battle against death. Soon after, he was summoned by the lead surgeon who dejectedly walked towards him to say:
"Mr Khurana, Yash sir has just about scraped the surgery. The donor heart, as I said earlier, is only semi-permanent and is not the long term diagnosis. Gradually, the cancer is spreading to other organs and he simply cannot survive so many transplants even if we tried. I think its best that he treasures his last few days with you, Mrs.Savitri and other loved ones"
Maan's head involuntarily dropped as his eyes, mind and heart gave up on him. His vision slowly grew cloudy as his Daadi gently stroked his shoulder to soothe him even though she knew it was futile, nothing would calm the storm within him now. The surgeon continued, with tears sparkling his eyes:
"His condition isn't very stable at the moment. I suggest you both meet him now. Oh, and I know this is the most ridiculous request in this situation but I'll do anything for Yash. Since childhood, I've noticed one thing about my old pal and that is the fact that Yash never breaks, no matter how much life tosses and shakes him about. Even when we were both broke and almost on the streets, he stood proud and now look, he's India's largest brand businessman. He's a soldier but still, not even a heart made out of iron can bear the depression of death approaching. If he sees you two in this condition, he will definitely crash. The last thing we all want is to see him tear apart for the first and last time. Please, I beg of you, just once, only once, force a smile when you walk in that room. It's amazing what wonders the curved shaped lips of a love one can do. Laughter is the best medicine. I know it can't save him but at least he can truly rest in peace."
Not a single word registered in Maan's mind. Somehow, he had comprehended that he wanted Maan and Daadima to merely smile when they meet him. To anyone else, it would be the simplest and sweetest task but to Maan, this was asking for more than his life. With his head hung low, palms sweaty and empty eyes, Maan dragged his feet to the room.
He couldn't do it. He just couldn't. How can the Sun rise from the West? How can the Moon float away from the Earth? How can the Earth not rotate? How can he smile knowing these were the last moments with his life, his soul, his idol, his father?
Disappointed that he couldn't complete such a simple task for his father's sake, Maan turned back, headed towards the exit to leave the room. Before he could, he heard a sweet, soft yet sore voice speak out to him.
"Maan beta!"
The two words were enough to pull a chord in his heart as he darted across the room t embrace his father. He wept. He wept like a child. He was MSK but currently, he was his Daddy's little beta who was being given the harshest, meanest, coldest punishment.
"Dad! Dad how can you? Why are you doing this? You can't just-You can't leave me and go. That's not fair. You don't love me, you love Mom! That's why you rejecting me to go to her Daad! Daaa-" wailed Maan in the arms of the only man he ever loved.
"Bas Beta Bus! That's it. You silly boy. Mein kaha jaa raha hu? I'm here, with you my boy. You're crying as if you're a Majnu whose just been rejected by his Laila" soothed Yash. That was the way with him, even on his death bed, he was cracking jokes to lighten the heart of his loved ones.
"Aap ko mazaak sooj raha he? I'm damn serious Dad!" screamed Maan, in agony.
"Okay okay, beta! I'm sorry. I just had.. I needed to ..ermm.. It was essential for me to bring the topic up" replied Yash. Maan, who was slightly mellow now, gazed curiously at his father.
"You know beta, you have your Mother's eyes. They're like deep oceans which reflect your every thought" whispered Yash, gently. Maan was very much confused right now. His father was moments away from death and here he was romantically describing his eyes.
"Like now Maan, your eyes tell me how perplexed you are."Yash let out a chuckle.
"Now that I won't be here to read these eyes, you'll have to find someone else" It pained Maan to think about this father leaving him. Hearing sobs from Maan, Yash continued…
"I want you to find your life partner" Maan was shocked at the revelation.
"I know you're against the whole concept, but just remember this. I won't be able to rest in peace until I know you've found your other half who will take care of you just as I did" spoke Yash softly. He was a little anxious of Maan's reaction knowing his anger and anti-marital attitude.
*beep beep beep beeep beeepp*
the final, everlasting, devastating beep brought Maan out of his reverie. That's when he realised, his father's soul had just left his body, the world and him.
*BACK TO PRESENT*
*smashhh*
As Nakul (the butler) clumsily dropped the phone, Maan was shaken out of his thoughts to realise Daadima had walked off. Often, Maan would zone out in his thoughts, mostly regarding his father, and his understanding Daadi walked away to give him solace. Yet, silly Nakul had ruined his peace.
"Ss-s-Sir"stuttered a nervous Nakul.
"Adi ss-Saab k-ka phone h-he"
Maan was used to Nakul's crazy antics and the common stutter people got due to the uneasiness and fear he caused. Maan simply strode towards the phone and spoke:
"I won't be able to meet you now as Daadi wasted my valuable time with her sentimental talks. I shall speak to you in Delhi now. See you there."
Maan cut the phone, sighed and made his way to the airport to start his bride hunt. This was going to be a long vacation.
Well guys there it is ! I know it's not as you all expected, it's quite depressing and gloomy but I just wanted to show you how depressing Maan' life is so you can compare it with his life with Geet. I know I dragged the death scene a bit but it was vital to show Maan's relationship with his father, the trauma of the event and to show that it's important as it's the reason why he chooses to search for a potential bride. Don't worry! It will get funnier and light hearted! Especially with Geet! Lol x
So guys PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Read comment and like the update! I love love love feedback and I'm open to criticism. Do tell all your friends about the ff if you enjoyed it.
PS. this part was quite long and it's dedicated to Anu who was complaining that my first part was short ;) khush? x lolMaan
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Indian Mythology
Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan
