FF: M&G - Protect The Boss 1 - Page 84

The sound of heels reached his ears into the crisp night as he stood on the small porch at the back of the outhouse, overlooking the pristine garden.

She stood beside him, her dress crinkling slightly as she leaned on the wall, welcoming the cool breeze that caressed her face.

"I suppose I liked Dev all along," she said softly, looking down at her hands. "I didn't realise it until Geet came along & I saw his behaviour towards her. But subconsciously, my feelings were always there."

Sasha turned to her right, studying Maan's profile as he remained with a sombre expression, looking out into the distance.

"I... I just want to apologise for... well, for how I've been in the past."

"There's no need."

"No, there is. I was inappropriate and- I just want to let you know that I've changed."

He looked at his colleague, noticing how lost and confused he was. Maan saw a certain innocence in her, an innocence that only came from deep harboured feelings which grew day by day, changing the person & their life forever.

"You really like him, don't you?"

"I think I love him."

"Are you going to tell him?"

She met his gaze again, & held it for a few seconds, before he turned away, realising what her eyes were saying. Sasha tilted her head, tucking loose strands behind her ear. "Depends on when you tell her."

Maan stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't pull the wool over my eyes. I've seen the way you look at her."

"She's an attractive woman, so what?"

"It's more than attraction. Anyone can see that."

From the corner of her eye, she spotted a svelte figure in red slowly approaching them, and she touched Maan's arm lightly to alert him of Geet's arrival. Maan stepped back from Sasha, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Geet was surprised at seeing Maan & Sasha on the porch alone, but brushed her fears aside as she cleared her throat. "They're about to cut the cake for Savitri-ji."

"We'll be on our way," he said, in a tone which she interpreted as dismissive. Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat, she turned on her heels & walked away, trying to remain as collected as possible.

__________________________________________

Dev was still left reeling by the information that he had received from Geet earlier. As he watched her come back into the outhouse, a slight frown on her face, he wondered if what she had told him was the truth.

Even if it was, or even if it wasn't - how could he bring himself to find out?

__________________________________________

Once the cake had been cut, the speeches had been made, incoherent slightly drunk dancing on the floor had taken place and Pammi had applied & re applied her lipstick at least 20 times, Geet decided it was time to bid adieu & retire to her trusty bed; in an attempt to block out the night with the welcoming arms of sleep.

She walked over to Pinky & Yash, who had had far too much to drink for their own good, & suggested the three of them jump into a taxi, but the loved up couple had decided to take a moonlit stroll by the beach, leaving her alone to face the journey home.

As she watched the two walk away, she glanced at Maan, whose gaze had already been fixed on her. Feeling slightly uncomfortable & looking away, she absent-mindedly brushed her curl aside as she swiftly left the party, not wanting to attract the attention of anyone.

But it was too late as Maan had already caught up & stopped beside her, shifting from a jog into a walk of her speed. "Let me drop you off home."

"Thank you but I can make my own way."

"I insist, Geet. I'm not letting you call a taxi alone."

"I'm perfectly capable of getting around myself," she spat out, unsure herself of where this sudden bitterness was coming from.

However, Maan was as stubborn as she was, & before she could walk away from him, he grabbed her wrist & seated her into the passenger side, ignoring her protests as he drove her back in silence.

Both of them wanted to say something to the other, yet neither of them could find the words.

It seemed all too soon when his car rolled to a stop outside her apartment building. She muttered a swift thank you before stepping out, noticing that he too left the car - presumably to walk her up to the entrance.

"Thanks again," she said, her voice more softer this time; and he stopped, standing in front of her & meeting her eyes.

They exchanged silent questions back & forth between each other, then Maan felt the need to pull away before he lost himself, remembering his earlier conversation with Dadima.

As he turned away from her slowly, he whispered the three words which had been building up inside of him, dying for a release.

Had he turned around at that moment in time instead of retreating to his Mercedes, he would have realised that Geet had heard every word, as shock and a sudden realisation of her own seeped into her soul.

Chapter 24 - Door Ni Kulni - Page 137