A Chipped Cup
Maan Singh Khurana also known as the most rich,horrible lethal and powerful Earl of Dukesberry (Made it up) stood infront of a painted picture. This was the only visible object in the room besides a cup which was chipped in his hand. He stood before the painting and sighed. He was broken. There were tears of anger and agony in his eyes. His eyes were showing fury and contempt for the person in the painting yet his heart was in agony.
The painting was of a beautiful maiden girl who was smiling. Her eyes were soft and full of life. They were sparkling happiness and her lips were full of laughter. Her cheekbones were perfect and her hair a dark shade of chocolate brown. She was a beautiful angel in his life and Maan Singh Khurana couldn't hold onto her. He remembered the first time he saw her and brought her into his life.
6 Months ago
'He's coming' Mohinder exclaimed looking out of the windows seeing a procession of horses and carriages arriving. Mohinder was frantic. He was worried and looked outside and saw the person whom everyone feared the most. Maan Singh Khurana. Mohinder Handa was a peasant in Dukesberry. He had taken a loan from the Earl Maan Singh Khurana for buying further Land to grow more crops. He had promised Maan that he would return the money within 4 Months. The last day of repayment was yesterday. Mohinder's new crops on the new land had failed to grow as there was not enough Rain this summer and Maan Singh Khurana had come for his claim of his money.
'Father what do we do now?' asked Brij who was worried for his father and their situation. Brij was the son of Mohinder Handa whom was an ideal son.
'Papa, whats wrong?' asked Geet walking in to the house from the garden after picking some flowers. Mohinder turned to her in disgust and roared at her
'what are you doing here GEET?' Geet flinched at her father's loud voice. Truth be told her father hated her, as did any father who had a daughter living in this realm. Being a girl was the biggest mistake in her whole life, Geet had heard again and again. In this time, being a father of a girl meant bad luck. Geet's mother had passed away when she was 7. Geet lived alone with her brother and father who always showed her contempt. Yet Geet was a beautiful happy child, she grew up to be a beautiful person inside and out and often believed the tensions in her father's business of farming were the reason for his anger. Geet was brought up by her maid. Her brother who loved her dearly, but could not show it often hid her love and took his fathers side. Brij sighed and knew he had to handle the situation swiftly before Geet receives another slap. Often when Mohinder was tensed and Geet came infront of him, She would often receive a slap. Brij being a loyal son could not afford to comfort Geet but always via the maid's hand sent food and sweets to her. Geet knew it was Brij and he had a silent brotherly love for her. Brij also knew Geet understood his love.
'Geet go inside. We are expecting guests at this moment you need to be out of side' Brij said in an authorised voice. Geet wondered what was wrong, her father just looked away in disgust as Geet placed the flowers into a vase. She smiled and went into her room. She then looked out of the window and saw a horse carriage arriving and saw Earl Maan Singh Khurana step out. She wondered what was going on. Hence, she opened the door a peep and watched the whole scene infront of her eyes.
Maan stepped into the house. Mohinder and Brij bowed down.
'sir' They kneeled and said.
'you may stand Mr Handa and Young Handa' Maan permitted them. Mohinder stood up sweating in fear.
'So I believe I gave you a loan 4 months ago, Mr Handa and with interest the last day to pay it was yesterday' Maan said walking to a chair and sitting down. He took a cigar out and lit it and brought it to his lips. Maan smirked seeing them scared and terrified.
'Sir, the crops had failed to grow on the new Land and we have only managed to pay you tax from the sales of our existing crop' Brij stated. The peasants in Dukesberry pay Tax to Earl Maan Singh Khurana whom in turn provides safety for their lives. If Tax was not paid to Mr Maan Singh Khurana, then they were arrested. The Tax was used to pay the police officers who work under Earl Maan Singh Khurana as well yearly festivals.
'Well well well that's not good enough is it? Mr Handa a deal is a deal isn't it' Maan snapped his fingers. Maan's accountant brought forward the deal papers.
'Read it out please accoutant' Maan said as he put his feet on the table.
'I MR Mohinder Handa promise to repay The Earl of Dukesberry Mr Maan Singh Khurana the sum of 10,000 with Interest resulting in 12,000 within 4 months. If I cannot repay the sum, Sir Maan Singh Khurana can take any asset of Mohinder Handa..Signed Mohinder Handa' The accountant read out the statement.
'So Mr Handa, what should I take, your house, your life, your son or your lands..Well killing you will not be of no use to me. Your house,…' Maan looked up and down at the stone small house which was olden style. 'is not my style and I don't want this place.. Now your lands will mean I would have to hire peasants to grow me my crops….Well I could make you work for free and get a daily amount of food for you and your son…'
'But Sir, If you give me one more month, rain is expected next month Sir, if you take my Land how will I pay tax, how will I pay for my son and daughter….' Mohinder started to speak when Maan's ears perked up. He put his hand out for Mohinder to stop talking.
'Daughter…' Maan asked. He looked ahead and saw a slight view of Geet standing there listening. He smirked.
'Sir' Brij asked when he noticed where Maan's eyes were headed. Brij was shocked. Maan had seen Geet. Now what would happen. People in the village knew about Maan Singh Khurana and his womanly ways.
'Bring her to me' Maan stated. Geet eyes widened in fear. She was scared as one of Maan's men went to the room as Mohinder and Brij stood there in disbelief and brought Geet out. Geet was a young woman. Only 18 years old.
'So Miss what is your name?' Maan asked interrogating a young Geet. She looked perfect in Maan's eyes.
'Geet Handa Sir' Geet bowed down showing respect as her father's angry glare was on her. Brij was worried what would happen now.
'Mr Handa a deal is a deal. Consider your loan paid. Geet comes with me..' Maan stated standing up. Geet looked at him in shock and then her father who was equally shocked. He never knew this would happen.. Brij was more shell shocked.
'Sir, please she is my daughter..She is not part of this.' Mohinder as a father didn't want a bad name in the word of other peasants. The other peasants knew she was promised to son of Raghuveer , Dev Raghuveer. 'She is betrothed to another' Mohinder exclaimed.
' Mr Handa, Once I make a decision I do not go back. And anyhow a deal is a deal. See I'm helping you. Geet will stay with me forever and you no longer have to worry for an extra expense of a daughter as all you peasants have a problem with' Maan stated. 'And I'm helping you financially by writing of your loan'
'But Sir Geet is too nave innocent young' Brij stood in. Mohinder was happy enough to let Geet go. IF she was never to return. This means only him and his son. He will not have the extra burden of a daughter. Dev would understand as Dev neither wanted to marry her as he was in love with another, Naina. The only reason they accepted this realtion was due to Mohinder late wife Rano's dying wish. But Now Earl Maan Singh Khurana had stepped in.
'How old is Geet?' asked Maan.
'old enough to make my own decisions' Geet said confidently standing up for herself. Brij turned to her in shock. 'Sir I'm ready to come with you. However, do you promise to write off the loan my father has received'
'I never lie Miss Handa..you there help the young lady into my carriage' Maan pointed at a guard.
Geet walked to her father and stood infront of him 'father I know you never liked me.. And I hope you will be happy now' Mohinder looked away not caring his daughter was going.
'Brij Bhaiya I shall miss you.. Thank You for Everything' Geet said walking to him. Brij wanted to hug her but he could not due to his father. Geet stepped out and walked into the carriage. Maan turned to the Men of the Handa family and said
'So Long then.'
Maan sat alongside Geet as they took the ride back to Maan's mansion. Geet looked out the window. She had never been allowed out far beyond the reaches of her home and a few neighbourhood girl friends that she had. She looked at the fields and everything. Maan shifted closer to Geet. Geet turned towards him in shock as she felt the heat of his body against hers. He saw her beautiful eyes looking at him in anxiety.
'Why have you asked for me' Geet questioned him. 'My father abhorred me, my brother loved me yet never showed me no love nor compassion. My mother left me alone. How can I be of use to you?' Geet asked keeping a straight solemn face.
'You will know very soon Miss Geet' Maan replied. He saw a tendril of her pinned up hair across her face. He leaned over to move it from her face and removed it tucking it behind her ears. Geet was shocked as she felt him touch her face. Maan looked at her face and removed her pin from her hair letting it loose.
'your very beautiful Geet.. Keep your hair down my dearie it suits you' Geet tried to move a bit back from him trying to create distance. She didn't know how her life would be. So far Maan had been quiet yet Kind. However his silence was scaring her.
After two hours they arrived at the Mansion. Maan led her into the mansion and then her room.
'Have a bath Geet. You will find everything in this room. New cloths, new perfumes soaps. Oh and you inner wear.. Well, in those boxes are different sizes.. But what I believe is your size is in the top box.. Correct me if I'm wrong' Maan said smiling at her and then walking out.
Geet walked to the box and saw that he was correct. It was her size how did he know. She walked to it collected her clothes and had a bath and got ready. Once she was ready she walked to the mirror she combed her hair and was about to pin it up when she rememberd his words of keeping it down. She looked around the room, it was large. Quite beautiful architecture, he had provided her with expensive clothes, jewellery and fragrances. She walked out and took the stairs when a servant told her that she was expected in the dining room. Geet walked into the dining room and saw Maan sitting at the end of a long table. There was no one else there.
'Hello Dearie. My you look wonderful…' Geet looked down smiled slightly and replied
'Thank You sir.. But why so expensive?' She asked.
'Because Dearie, your beautiful and you should shine' He replied.
'Now make me some tea my Precious' He continued. Geet saw a tea pot and cups next to her. She took a cup and dropped it. She was scared as the crockery and cup looked expensive. She bent down and picked it up.
'I'm sorry.. Its chipped.The cups chipped.I didn't mean to drop it…' Geet said scared on the verge of tears.
'why are you saying sorry for my pet? Its only a cup..' Maan said. He walked to her and took the chipped cup from her hand. 'See My Dearie.. Its just a chip and just a cup..' He smiled at her. Geet felt happy and smiled at him. She felt warmth with him she didn't understand why.
She poured out the tea for him in another cup and gave it to him. Maan asked her to take some too.
The following day Geet walked into his room to wake him up with tea and saw he was already awake.
'May I come in Sir?' She asked politely. Maan looked up from his file and saw Geet and smiled at her.
'come in pet' She placed the tea down on the table and frowned.
'why the frown pet?.. didn't you have a nice sleep?' asked Maan confused. Geet walked towards the windows and asked
'Why aren't the curtains like this. I mean It looks like you've never opened them' Geet said placing her hands on her hips.
'Dearie, I like the darkness its soothing to my soul' he replied sipping the tea.
'No One should live in darkness not even you' Geet stated smiling. She was getting comfortable with him. He didn't seem as evil everyone had said about him yet a kind and gentle man. He had not even touched her in any wrongful way. He was a very nice person. Geet got a chair and brought it to the window. The curtains were 10 foot long. She grabbed the curtain tie and untied it. She then used the curtain strings to open the curtains. Geet smiled as the fresh sunlight sweeped through the room.
'See how amazing the sunlight is?' Geet said turning on the chair and smiling. Maan watched her in amazement. She was a wonderful sweet girl. Maan loved that about her character. She was very opened and honest.
'mmm' He mumerred watching her facial expressions.
'A smile and a hint of appreciation would have been nice' Geet said and then stopped in fear she might have spoken too much. Geet started sweating. Maan realised what Geet was thinking and walked up to her in a solemn manner with straight line on his lips. Geet gulped and Maan then smile and said
'Your right Geet. Thank You' Geet smiled and her heart and face glowed in happiness. She then reached to open the windows.
'Now for some fresh air' She smiled. She then turned to get off the chair when she slipped. Maan saw her slipping and grabbed her before she fell. They store into eachother eyes as Geet fell into his arms. Maan was getting lost into her innocence, her words , her liveliness and her beauty.
'Thank You Sir, I thought I would have seriously hurt myself or would have died' Geet said in a lively voice not seeing what her words effects were on Maan when Maan pulled her closer to him in his arms. He was angered yet worried when she said the words died.
'Nothing can happen to you pet' He said breathing harshly on her lips and speaking in an angry tone.
'Sir' Geet whimpered feeling the harsh grip. Maan saw her on verge of tears and let her down.
It had been 5 months, Geet had already fallen for Maan. She was in love with him yet she did not know it yet. Everyday was the same, Geet woke Maan up with tea and opening the curtains and windows. She took him out on a stroll in the garden, speaking to him about the wonderful world of nature. Geet loved to talk. Her bubbliness was amazing to Maan. He smiled at her talks and listened to her and watched her expressions and gestures all the time. Her happiness when flowers bloomed. Her dancing in the rain when it rained and Maan watched her. She cooked dinner for him everyday and spent a lot of time with him. She made him change his appearance. He looked much handsome now. Geet sometimes, out of happiness, kissed him on his cheeks not knowing what this was doing to Maan. He was falling for her as well. Everytime she spoke, or asked him a question, she never gave him time to reply. She was an enigma to him.
A week later
'Geet sit still for once please' Maan said as she sat infront of him and he stood infront of a blank canvass with paint in his hand.
'Sir.. But why do you want to paint me? I mean I'm not going anywhere.. I'm with you forever aren't I?' Geet moaned. She didn't like to be still
'Geet please, for me.. keep quiet and still' Maan asked looking her at her. Geet pouted but keep still as Maan painted a picture of her. Geet smiled as Maan began painting her. Geet watched Maan's movements attentively falling in love with him all over again. She knew what people said about the Earl was wrong. He was an amazing person. A Kind hearted person. She loved him. She saw his concentration and fell in love with his expressions. She smiled at her happy life with Maan. He never let her feel alone. She had found a great friend companion in him and maybe love. But Geet was scared if she loved him did he love her. What would happen the day he found out.
Maan looked at Geet as he was painting seeing her smiling at him and he knew she was bursting to speak. He smiled inwardly as he completed his painting. He knew he loved her. He loved her a lot. But what he she didn't. Once he had finished he brought her to see the completed painting.
'its beautiful Maan. You made me look so beautiful.. I never knew that I could look so wonderful. Thank you' Geet said with a tear in her eye. Maan turned to her and wiped her tears. Geet didn't realise when she called him Maan. She was so astonished at her painting. Maan looked at her and brought her closer towards him and held her by the waist. Geet was astounded by Maan holding her waist close to him. She saw love compassion and affection for her in his eyes. Was this true? Did he love her.
'I Love you Maan' Geet said in her heart as Maan's lips grazed hers. He then kissed her lightly. Geet didn't object. Maan felt she didn't object and then he kissed her again fully on the mouth. He sucked her lips as Geet kissed him back. They kissed like no tomorrow. It was full of passion. He demanded entry into her mouth, and Geet let him in as he held her head tight towards him. They kissed again and again when Maan realised what he was doing and pulled back. Geet looked at him full of love in her eyes. She was confused.
'Maan…' She asked confused.
'Leave…' He stated. He turned away from her.
'Maan….' Geet walked towards him and faced him
'LEAVE NOW GEET.. LEAVE FROM HERE AND NEVER RETURN' Maan shouted loudly with anger at her pushing her back.
'Maan what wrong? What have I done wrong. We just kissed eachother because I Love You Maan and I know you love me' Geet cried with tears and agony in her eyes and heart. Maan clenched his fingers and turned away from her.
' I don't love you Geet.. And I don't want to hurt your innocence' Maan lied through his teeth. 'What just happened was lust pure lust.. It was a weak point Geet.. I don't want to ruin your life by being physical with you Geet. What I have for you in my heart and mind is lust Geet just lust' Maan lied he turned to her carefully covering his emotions.
'Geet Leave now, before I turn on you and take you to quench my manly desires GO! GET OUT LEAVE FROM MY LIFE' Maan bellowed. Geet was shocked at him. She cried her eyes out
'Maan.. please I love you.. where will I go.. you mean everything to me…' Geet cried.
'Geet if you don't leave now..I will take you right now and throw you out.. its better you leave now Geet' Maan said
'So if you didn't love me why the painting, why the kindness, why not take me to bed on the first day of me being here' Geet questioned in pain clearly wanting some answers. Maan had none. True he loved Geet with all his life. But he knew, love cannot be in his life nor happiness. He grabbed her harshly from the arm and threw her out
'Go home Geet go home' He said to her as Geet looked at him in pain. He ordered his guard to send her home. He shut the door on her face seeing Geet for the very last time. He watched from the window as he saw a broken Geet being taken home. He walked to his room and fell on his knees and tears came out of his eyes
'How Can I Not Love You Geet. You are the best thing that happened in my life.. But I Can't Love You Geet.. My life is cursed Geet. My father killed my mother due to this curse one year after I was born Geet. My grandfather killed my grandma when my father was young. An old witch was hurt by my Grandpa when he was young, and he laughed it off. The witch had cursed out family line that until we stop having sons, the Khurana Men will kill there true love after two years. He was put into a trance. Geet my family is cursed. Once You had married me, within two years, the curse would have affected me and I would have killed you, without myself knowing. That's why Geet I've never married. I want to be the last Khurana Geet. I want this curse to die with me.' Maan cried.
A week later a message was delivered to Maan.
'Dear Maan Sir
loved you will all my heart. You made feel warm happy and joyful. You gave me so much happiness. You cared for me and gave me lots of compassion. You put up with my clumsiness. My non stop speaking everything. Alas when I arrived home after you sent me. Everyone looked at me with contempt like I done something wrong. My brother no longer had any compassion with me. People started saying wrong things to me Sir. My father and brother were ashamed of me. They locked me up in this small tower at the edge of town. I hope this letter gets to you. Meera my friend promised me she will as I sneaked this letter to her through the door. Isnt it funny Sir, there is no window here.. I don't even know if its light or day. But Sir, I hope you are fine. And always look after yourself Sir..And no matter what happens. Live your life to the fullest Promise me, you will always look after yourself sir.. I don't know if you ever loved me.. But my heart says you did..and I don't know what made you turn that night Sir..But I know you love me.. My heart says it clearly.. It was in your eyes sir.. Sir.. I Love You Sir.. and always will..
Yours Always Geet.
'How is she' Maan asked the guard after reading the letter seeing the pain, the love in her words. The guard looked down and said
'I'm Sorry Sir, she committed suicide last night. The townsfold shunned her and she hanged herself last night. Staying here with you for 6 months, people called her a wh**e and god knows what rubbish sir, living with a man without marriage…. You know what I mean Sir… She was found early this morning. This letter was collected from Geet by Meera last night.' Maan froze in terror. He silently looked down.
'Leave' Maan stated. He cried. Maan cried tears of anger, tears of helplessness. His Geet left him. Geet had died. She killed herself. IT was all his fault. He killed her. He killed her. His curse came true. His love and her falling for him killed her. He was a killer. The curse, he could save himself from the curse. It came true, in a different way.
PRESENT
Maan stood infront of the picture and kissed her lips. The curtains which Geet once opened was closed and the windows too. Maan spent his whole day with the chipped cup in his hand remembering the first time, she gave him tea.
'The cups chipped I didn't mean to do it' Maan remembered the first time they had tea and the first time she made him tea.
'I love You Geet always.' He said as he took the cup and placed it into a glass cabinet keeping it, with all her other memories, her clothes, her brush with her hair stands. Everything. He often walked into her room keeping it locked, smelling her frangrance. Sometimes when he closes his eyes in the room he can feel her see her
'I Love you Maan' Geet said whispering in his ears and laughing. Maan opened his eyes and saw Geet was there.
'I love you too Geet.. ' He said slipping in her bed. He closed his eyes and dreamed of a life of what could have been….with his Geet..
THE END
8 Pages LONG THIS WAS>> BIGGEST OS EVER!! PLEASE COMMENT!!!
I have another Idea for a new OS> But only if this is successful
PROMO: Geet had lied to Maan that she didn't love him. Maan found out it was his fathers doing.
'I'm going father to find my true love.'