[MG-SS] If it wasn't for The Night [Epilogue-p 89] - Page 26

Originally posted by: Maaneet_Vidu

i missed the update ...u din pm :-(

Painful ... But i loved it ...awesome

wen are ya updating..?? 😃

Originally posted by: bubble333

pls update soon...just love this SS...U R A AWESOME WRITTER...and pls let me know if you have wrote any other ffs.

Dedicated to the girl, whose B'day is technically not today, but coincides with the one in the story. Happy B'day maneet-laksh :)

This update is also dedicated to Tyro and anuandavi. I laughed so hard reading your comments that my sides hurt.

Oh BTW this update is not dedicated to the supposed swapna sundari and aasmaan se utri hui pari mollycoddle😆

Ok enough of my ramblings, here you go!

Chapter Four

Two days later..

16^th of February,

She lied on her bed and stared at her roof, watching the shadows of the night dance slowly. The window was open, inviting the soft glow of the moon inside her room. She peered at the clock and though it was dark, once her eyes got adjusted to the darkness, she faintly found the hands of the clock pointing out the time making her realize it was somewhere around midnight now. She closed her eyes, as she hoped against hope that the silent night would send her into a peaceful sleep, she prayed, to sleep, to have no dreams at all, especially having no dreams which would involve him, her and what all he said to her just before he left.

She felt her eyes snap open. Now that she thought about it, she couldn't sleep again. She sighed and let her eyes wander to the curtains that danced to the light breeze.

The events of the night were fresh in her memory, how and why, she knew not. It was two days from that night, yet it was as if it happened just few moments ago. She could still fell her heart flutter; she could still hear his baritone in her ears ringing the soft melody of her name. "Geet"

She could not erase his gentle whispers off her memory; nor could she erase anything in fact, that happened on fourteenth of February. The day has something to it, she thought. Every year, she was left with something happening to her, something that is affecting her in ways she couldn't fathom. Something that makes her heart feel heavier, and makes her eyes burn.

Two days.. it has been two whole days but she couldn't remember anything that happened in these past days. It was as if her senses stopped after that day.

After Maan left her that day, she had lost the count of the time she had sat there in the attic, against the pillar, buried her face in her knees, and cried. She felt someone's grip on her shoulder and turned around with a start only to find Ihina kneeling beside her, worry written all over her face. Watching her just triggered everything pent up inside her as she threw her arms around her best friend and cried in her arms. Ihina wrapped her arms around her and patted her, muttering kind words in her ears. She didn't know for how long they sat there like that.

After she calmed down, Ihina took her to her place along with her, while she sat in the car motionless. When they reached Ihina's place, she just crawled into her bed, without even bothering to change and Ihina didn't stop her or ask her to change. She just sat beside her, passed a hand through her hair gently, and kept talking everything under sun, until Geet finally dozed off.

When she woke up the next day, she found that it was eleven already. No point of going to college now, not that she wanted to attend classes now anyway. All she wanted to do is sleep to oblivion, for that is the only way she would stop replaying the night's incidents. However, her fantasies didn't come true as Ihina entered her room with steaming hot chocolate, making her heart beat louder with every passing second dreading the explanation she needed to give for her unusual behavior the previous night.

Ihina placed the mug beside her, and while Geet crossed her fingers at her back, hoping against hope that Ihina wouldn't broach on the topic, she didn't want to talk about, Ihina cleared her throat, making her heart sink, dreading the conversation to come.

However, all Ihina spoke was "Wanna have it before brushing?"

Geet blinked and not after a whole minute did she understand that Ihina was referring to the hot chocolate. Giving her something between a nod and a headshake, she rushed to the washroom, where her stuff were already there, by what she guessed was Ihina or Rehan's doing. She brushed her teeth, walked out to find Ihina sipping her hot chocolate browsing through channels, while Geet sat beside her silently sipping her own drink.

Not a word was exchanged between them. They silently watched the repeat of some crap show, then they went for Geet's all time favorite Tangled. After the movie she felt a lot more better, and what came next only made her too glad to oblige: completing their project. When they were finally finished with the project, it was already late and then Ihina suggested to watch another movie; a comedy this time. Though she was successful to keep his thoughts at bay for the whole day, when it was night again, and when she knew that just twenty and four hours ago, she was in his arms, she couldn't help but shudder. She couldn't watch anything after that thought crossed her mind, instead stared at the screen blankly. She didn't remember when she slept and before she knew she woke up due to the sunlight streaming into the living room, and she opened her eyes only to be lying cuddled up in the sofa.

The next day was much the same, which passed away in a blur. Geet practically stayed at Ihina's place, and went college straight from there.

Geet wondered many a time what had she ever done to get friends like these. While one was being a pillar of support, the other one was in shadows, just because she asked him to be. Ever since she asked Rehan to leave her alone in the party night, he stuck to his promise and didn't show his face. She knew she was being completely illogical and stupid but she didn't have the courage to face Rehan because, he would remind her of him. This was also the reason for her not returning to home, and staying at Ihina's place. It was completely childish of her, and she knew, by the end of the day, she had to go home. That was where she belonged. It didn't matter if she would face him, she had to do that eventually. She sighed as the little respite she had came to an end, and the classes suspended for the day, and soon they were walking out of the campus.

While she waited Ihina to get her car from the parking, she had the sudden urge to run away somewhere, but where to? When she and Ihina sat in Ihina's car, Geet closed her eyes, counting minutes, knowing that now she'd be dropped off home. It was stupid of her, extremely childish, but the truth was Handa Mansion and Khurana Mansion are practically next to each other. If she went to home, it was obvious that she'd see him and she'd no idea how would he react? Will he turn his back to her and walk away like before? Will there be disgust and hatred in his eyes for her? Or would there be that thing she couldn't bear instead. . . hurt. Her chain of thoughts came to an end as the car stopped, and as soon as she got down, Ihina drove the car to park in the parking area, much to her surprise and came back with a small bag.

"I am staying for the night" Ihina announced casually. She didn't felt as relieved as she was now in her entire life time. She threw her arms around Ihina hugging the living daylights of her, only to have patted back gently.

She turned to her side and found Ihina sleeping peacefully beside her and she felt her heart swell with love for the girl next to her. It wasn't new to them to stay over at each other's place. That was a tradition they followed at least once every month. However, this time instead of having girls day outs, shopping sprees, she stuck to home, buried in despondency. But what bothered her more was that she even ruined it for Ihina. But as always, she never complained. Ihina could have asked her at least once as of what had happened. But she didn't. Geet didn't know what she would have said even if Ihina asked her. She behaved like a typical girl who just had her heartbreak, except that she didn't have had a heartbreak. She had the sudden urge to laugh because of her behavior for the past two days. She mourned all day only to find out at the end that she had no reason at all to cry. Way to go! She wanted to cheer for herself. She wanted to kick herself for her stupidity. Why did she cry, there was no need at all. There was no reason at all. But then, she wondered as she raised her hand to touch her left side, beneath which, her heart lay, why does it pain so much if there was no reason? Why was this burning sensation in her chest? Why did she feel the earth to tear apart and swallow her whole, so that she could die peacefully instead of looking into those eyes. A sudden flash of his eyes, passed through her mind, and the small smile she held vanished as she felt the familiar hurt taking its surface.

She wiped the tears that rolled on her cheeks and took in a deep breath. Looking at Ihina's sleeping form, she felt a tenderness seep into her as she held Ihina's hand gently, raised it to her lips and pressed a gentle kiss on her hand. This was her best friend, the sister she never had, the one who knew her inside out. Ihina gave her ample of time and didn't push her and ask anything. Geet knew she had to tell her everything and tell her she would, but looking at the care she showed by simply being there, Geet felt her heart swell with love for her friend. That in turn made her ashamed of herself. She made up her mind of what to do; opened her cupboard, and took out the card that was placed beneath the neatly folded clothes.

Passing a loving hand on the card, may be for the last time, she opened it and read its contents for one last time. Walking over to her bedside and switching on her bed lamp, she took a pen and paper and started writing a note.

Ihina,

I need to tell you something. I was holding this secret for a year now. I got this card on last Valentine's day but it wasn't for me. It was for you, from Rehan. You might be wondering why is it with me, then? I have no legitimate reason Ihina. Anything I would say about it would look stupid and by keeping this card to myself, I deprived you of a chance you'd have got otherwise. Rehan loves you and probably you love him too. Because of my own selfish reasons, you never got to know each other's feelings. I don't know what to say in my defense except that I am sorry. This card is yours and it belongs to you. I am sorry once again. Forgive me if possible.

— Geet.

Folding the paper neatly, she placed it inside the card and walked to the bed. Kneeling beside the bed, she gently removed Ihina's palm and pushed the card over there. Standing up on her feet, she looked at the sleeping form of Ihina who had her palms pressed under her cheek, under which the card lay, and a smile spread across her features. There! Now the card reached the person to whom it truly belonged. She took in a deep breath, walked towards her window, and stood by it, resting her forehead against the window, and watching the night sky, feeling a renewed energy.

* * *

She heard a noise and looked down only to find a car entering Khurana Mansion. She furrowed her eyebrows as she caught the grill of her window and leaned in to peer closely wondering who might be coming at this time. The car came to a halt and from it emerged Maan. The car drove straight to the garage, while he stood there, with his coat hanging on his arms, catching his bag and walking towards the main door. Her breathe hitched in her throat as she saw him. It's been two days, two whole days since she had a glimpse of him, and when she saw him today, she observed that he looked tired. She figured out that he was coming straight from office. For reasons unknown, she continued staring at him walking towards the main door. But suddenly she saw him come to a halt and turn back, as if he sensed someone's gaze on him. Her instant reaction was to move away, plastering her back to the wall beside the window, and peering slowly, from behind the curtain. She saw him stare at her window and her heart bet faster wondering if he'd seen her. She felt him watch for few moments and throughout the time she couldn't look away or move away. She knew she might not be visible, for she was peeping from behind the curtain, yet he watched silently at her window but then, after few moments, he turned his back to her and left, taking long strides, leaving her with a burning throat clogged up with emotions. She closed her mouth with a palm as she felt a soft sob escaped her lips. She rushed to the washroom and closed the door behind her, lest she would wake up Ihina. Once inside the washroom, she opened the tap and filled her palms with cool water only to splash it against her burning skin. Tears mixed with the water and rolled down through her cheek. She stood straight to look at her drenched face in the mirror and found a reflection of her staring back at her. She raised her hand involuntarily to touch below her eyes. She felt dark circles and hollow eyes that stared back at her, under her touch. She looked back at her disheveled state, her red swollen eyes and blinked. She looked pathetic, as if she was just hit by a cyclone or as if her home was attacked by aliens. Or at least as if she was mourning for someone's death.

She took a towel, patted herself dry, and walked out of the washroom. She knew she can't sleep now. It was the last thing in her mind. Making up her mind, she opened her room door and walked out to take a walk in their garden, hoping that at least having some fresh air would clear her head.

* * *

She walked in her garden, without footwear, trying to feel the mist of the crispy grass under her feet. She closed her eyes, and filled her lungs with the misty air. She hugged herself and walked around the garden, slowly. The night was beautiful, with chilly air, fresh winds, and a starry sky. She hugged her form close as she took slow, deliberate steps, her mind elsewhere, not particularly enjoying the beauties of Mother Nature. She raised her eyes and found the revolving gate before her, the very gate that connected Handa and Khurana mansions, and without a second thought her hand raised to touch the cool metal.

Memories swirled in her mind overwhelming her. She could almost see herself, Rehan and Vicky running along the garden, shuttling from one mansion to another, in order to use short cut, trying to jump the walls, causing the elders to have a mini heart attack, and finally making them construct this little revolving gate, which connects both their lawns. Even today she used this way to enter Khurana Mansion.

She felt her legs take her to the large metallic garden swing that lay near to the rose bushes. This was her favorite place, which she always fought with Rehan for claiming. So much so that when one sat in it, the other pushed the swing making the one sitting in it fall down. Her face held a gentle smile as she sat in the swing hugging her knees, and let her head fall back, reminiscing the beautiful moments she had here.

Though it was just a period of two days, she felt as if she was away from here for a lifetime and now, when she was home again, she understood that she need not dread the place. This place never haunted her, only provided her with a sense of serenity.

She felt the swing rock slowly and suddenly remembered something from the past.

She ran along the lawn, making her way towards the swing. She saw him sit in the swing reading something. She rolled her eyes, wondering what was he up to? Was there any girl around here, and he was simply trying to impress? After all Rehan and books never went together.

She shook her head and smiled. She decided to ask that later, but for now she'd a very good news to share. She'd won the running competition, which Rey challenged her to win, and according to the bet, he had to do all her history homework for a month.

She smiled enthusiastically as she took slow steps and reached the swing. His back was facing her, and hence he couldn't observe her coming. She would've pushed him out of her favorite place only if her mood wasn't so good. She smiled and closed his eyes from behind.

"Guess who?" she crooned in her ear, as her insides jumped. She couldn't wait to share the news with him and see his surprised face.

However, she was surprised to hear an unexpected voice murmur "Geet"

She frowned and straightened almost immediately. It was Maan's voice unmistakably. She felt her heart skip a bit, but the very next moment, she pulled her hands and ruffled his hair miffed.

"If you think you would scare me off just by imitating your brother's voice, then Mr. Khurana, you are purely mistaken—" she blabbered walking, to face him, but as soon as she did, she felt herself give an audible gasp as she came face to face with an amused Maan, with ruffled hair.

"I—uh— I thought it was—"

"Rehan" he replied calm, "You thought I was Rehan"

"No—I mean yes—Sorry— I mean my mom is calling" she said and ran away.

"Don't you think you've to go this side to go to your home?" she heard his voice call after her, making her stop in tracks.

Only then had she realized, she was walking towards Khurana mansion again.

She opened her eyes, as she remembered that day. She thought to say something logical to his question but all that came from her mouth was unintelligible gibberish, and finally giving up of putting up a false faade of being brave, she had done exactly what she was good at, she ran away.

However, she did peek a glance one she was out of his sight. Something caught her eye that day. Though there was a frown on his face, she observed there was also a small smile, and that day she'd seen him touch his ruffled hair. Back then, she thought it was a figment of her imagination, but now she remembered clearly. That did happen.

She stopped the swing at once, putting her legs on the ground. She closed her face with her palms, and took in a deep breath. What was happening, why was she thinking of all this now?

Her eyes darted to the huge mansion behind her, and she found few lights on, but despite of that, the whole mansion was loomed into darkness. She recognized the two lights. One was Maan's room, while the other was gym.

She felt her hand clutch her heart, just as a thought crossed her mind. Should she go and meet him and explain everything? She had no idea what she'd say, but whatever it would be, she wanted to erase that pain from his eyes. She got up with wobbly legs, making up her mind. She couldn't live with this guilt forever. He wanted answers, and answers he would get.

* * *

She walked along the now empty corridors, her heart racing. She felt her hand raise and form a fist to knock on his door, only to stop midway. Maybe this wasn't a good idea, maybe she should turn back. She turned back but couldn't take another step.

"Can't you bear to be around me Geet? Does my presence makes you that uncomfortable?"

"Does my touch disgust you?"

His voice rung in her ears, making her fist her hands. She wanted to scream to the voice in her head and say NO. She wiped the tears that rolled out of her cheek. It was better to face him now than later. She can't bear to let him misunderstand her. Making up her mind, she touched the door, only to find it unlocked and empty.

* * *

He threw a punch making the punch bag sway dangerously. He threw continues punches, over exerting himself.

"I wasn't expecting you"

That one sentence haunted him for two days, and no matter how much he tried, he couldn't let himself forget anything. He neither could forget her, nor anything that happened on the dance floor and on the attic. And with every passing moment, he only felt all the more disgusted at himself for feeling such for the girl he couldn't get.

The punch bag swung back to him, and hit him, taking him by surprise. He clutched his arm, where it hurt, but he knew this was nothing compared to the hurt he was feeling right now. He caught the punch bag to stabilize it, and closed his eyes, while all that flashed before his eyes was only and only her.

"Why is life so unfair? Why was his love unrequited?"

He remembered her innocent question, which made him want to laugh at the irony of it. How ironic that even he wanted to know the answer to that question. "Why is life so unfair? Why was his love unrequited?"

* * *

She walked inside the now empty room. She felt a dj vu as she made her way towards his bed and sat down. After all, sneaking in his room was something she did when he was not around. In fact she knew every nook and corner of this room. She knew where he kept his favorite book, or where did his favorite pen lay. Visiting his room was one of her daily routines, when he was away from India. She was always fascinated with this room. Everything about this room had attracted her. She looked around, found a photo frame on the wall against the bed, and got up to walk towards it.

She touched the frame as she felt a bittersweet smile bloom across her features. It was the photo of a little girl and boy standing next to each other, at beach, their back facing the camera lens. The boy was flying kite, while the little girl stood beside him, holding her teddy close and looking into the sky. She passed a loving hand over the picture. It was a picture of her and Rehan. This was a picture taken in Chennai beach, when both their families went on vacation. There was a kite flying celebration going on that day, at the beach. While Rehan was flying kites, cutting every other kite that came his way mercilessly, she watched the orange sky which was full of colorful kites flying over sea in wonder.

She caressed the picture with her hand as she remembered the day she first saw it. That day she was again in Maan's room mistaking him to be out somewhere but suddenly she heard the washroom door opened and she panicked. Thankfully, she wasn't alone in her little adventure and Rehan was also with her, who pulled her hand and both of them were under the bed before they knew. They came to Maan's room that day to find out about the colorful package he received earlier today, curious kids as they were.

They lay flat on their stomachs, trying to be as much silent as possible and watched Maan come out of the washroom and come near the bed. She could've let out a gasp, had Rehan not closed her mouth in time. They silently watched as Maan took out the package in his hands, peeled off the cover and walked towards the wall.

She and Rehan crawled to take a closer look and found him hanging a picture on the wall, and his hands pass through the picture caressing something.

After he went out and they finally emerged from under the bed, she and Rehan wondered why did he chose this picture. He wasn't even there in it.

However, what made her more curious was what had he caressed that day. She passed her hand, remembering how he'd done exactly and found her hand stop at the sands where they stood. She knotted her eyebrows and removed her hand and then she saw something she had never noticed.

There was the shadow of someone, who was holding the camera, trying to capture the moment. The shadow almost touched her, almost but then the distance that lay between them was conspicuous. She felt her heart thud against her rib cage as she finally realized whose shadow that was. Maan. It was Maan who took the picture.

She felt her legs wobble as she suddenly took a step back, and everything seemed to fall in place.

"He'd have wanted to do everything he could to make her feel what he feels for her. He might have wanted to do something just like he had imagined a million times in his dreams, he might have wondered how would it be to finally live your dream and to have her in his arms. In short he would have felt like me".

Her legs wobbled as she felt her hand close on her mouth.

". . . he would have felt like me".

That one sentence stirred something in her making her realize the depth behind his words, the gestures he made, the smile he gave her at the swing years ago, when she ruffled his hair, and the picture he put in his room, showing the distances that lay between them.

She felt some presence behind her and turned rigid.

"Maan" she whispered as she turned around, only to take a step back. It wasn't Maan this time. It was Rehan.

He strode towards her and caught her hand, taking her by surprise.

"Come with me" was all he spoke before dragging her away.

"Rehan—"

"Chup" he bit back turning towards her "You asked me not to show my face and I kept my word. Now the time is over Geet Handa. Now I would say and you'd listen" he whispered and lead her into his room and closed the door behind them.

* * *

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