MG FF: Quantum of Solace -Updated Pt 46- Apr 28 - Page 22

Originally posted by: Newdime

I'm coming home. Be ready.

Originally posted by: Limerance

I'M SO HAPPY YOU'RE BACK!!! I MISSED YOU TONS!

Part 41

On the cobbled steps Geet sat anticipating yet dreading the minutes that slipped by in the heavy hours of early dawn. As it all began to wind down in these last hours Geet gave thought to what brought her here and how it all changed her.

The most important decision of her career, the one she felt her life depended on all this time, was hours away but she felt no excitement or apprehension in regards to the verdict. Instead, what troubled her mind was the aftermath the judgement would lead to.

Swallowing in the momentary silence Geet contemplated in her mind all possibilities and paths once again for what seemed like the hundredth time this morning. Each time she closed her eyes she envisioned a future that made her question all she had done up until this point.

It caused her to ache with uncertainty she'd never felt before. Generously focusing all her attention on these thoughts stimulated her hands to shake and sweat. She clasped them tightly together hoping to ease the physical unrest.

As her profile grew more slumped and expressions more drawn with concern Meera's frown deepened. "What's wrong Geet?"

Geet turned her head to the right where Meera stood. Each of her hands held a single mug from which steaming waves of goodness visibly mixed with the crisp rising air. She settled closely next to her and handed one over.

She tightly wrapped her hands around it and swallowed hard staring intensely at the swirling frothy bubbles. Gathering the courage Geet turned her face to the always patient Meera and in the simplest words conveyed her demons. "I'm scared Meera." As water began sting the corners of her almond eyes Geet shifted to intensely gaze at the ground. "I'm absolutely terrified."

Meera immediately set aside her cup and hugged her tight. In all of her years knowing Geet never had she seen such vulnerability in her eyes and it broke her heart. Believing the fear to be more so related to Maan and Rohan's involvement Meera consoled that regard. "Why are you stressing out about it Geet? Nothing is going to happen to Maan or Rohan. I spoke with..."

Geet's sudden sad laughter stopped Meera's words midway. She pulled away and eyed her peculiarly not understanding what brought on the strange expression. Shaking her head Geet replied, "I know nothing is going to happen to those two. They proved tonight they are capable of anything."

She understood Geet's feelings of disappointment and betrayal. Her nature appeared to be soft but she was a rock otherwise there was no way she would have survived all these years and the fact that her brother and Maan couldn't see it rightfully angered her. The fact that they believed her too weak and fragile to handle any bad news made Geet absolutely livid. But deep inside Geet recognized whatever they did, despite the mistakes and exclusion of her involvement they did it for her. Hearing her expel a deep sigh Meera attempted to ease the situation. "Forget those two Geet! You heard Uncle giving them a reality check. Next time they'll think twice before doing something like this."

Instead of mirth or even a small smile, Geet only nodded her head with a distant look in her eyes. Meera touched her shoulder and gently spoke. "It's almost over Geet. In a few short hours you won't have anything to dread over."

Those words should have been music to her ears but rather they only served as a nagging reminder that for the first time ever, she wasn't ready for it to be over. Geet closed her eyes in an attempt to shield the tears inside while vigorously shaking her head. "That's what I'm afraid of Meera…it's almost over but I'm not so sure I want this anymore."

As she uttered those words that echoed so loudly within her heart plunged deep inside itself. While Meera was startled by the statement, the state of Geet was more worrisome. Her body was trembling and face was blanched. "What are you not sure about Geet?"

Geet shook her head frustrated. "I'm not sure about everything….anything…" Meera saw the turmoil inside and for the first time didn't understand it.

Staring into her confused eyes Geet answered her questions. "All of this was done to get me my life back to the way it was…the days where I lived for my patients and my work." She swallowed hard wondering if what she was about to utter made her the epitome of selfish. "But I'm not sure I want to go back to that life Meera…I don't know if I want to live for what I did before."

Meera smiled softly but was overjoyed within. Geet finally realized she didn't want to live for others. She wanted to live for herself first and nothing could have made Meera happier. "Then you don't have to Geet. You don't have to live for anyone but yourself."

A puzzle expression still guarded her face causing Meera to question why she really felt this way. "Just promise me you aren't saying this because your confidence is battered. Don't question your ability as a doctor..."

"No, I'm not doing questioning my ability. I'm questioning where my happiness lies. I'm questioning if what I desire is acceptable because of my ability." Geet freely let out.

"You don't have to decide now Geet. You can travel the world, explore your desires, learn about yourself...live a little." Meera nudged her shoulder to make eye contact. "There is nothing wrong in taking time for yourself to regroup."

She nodded but the nagging wouldn't go away. "I understand Meera but I wonder what people…"

"To hell with people Geet! Sometimes I think all this education has messed up your brain. Before a doctor, you were and are a human being, one that deserves to do whatever you want. When you are at the end of your life and look back I want you to be content not have regrets about what you didn't do."

Geet gazed at her curiously to which Meera shook her head. "You grew up too soon my friend. Your soul is practically ancient. Follow this path we've...you've been on and let it unfold. Let adventures open your eyes, explore a little and write your own story. Don't let anyone else do it for you…it's only your right."

Those last four words still swirled inside her mind even hours later blocking away the present moment. Only when the woman raised her voice a few octaves did Geet snap back. "Dr. Handa, are you alright?" The salt and pepper haired woman questioned clearly worried.

Sitting in front of this group of seven accomplished doctors caused her mind to drift back to the early morning conversation wherein she questioned how much she desired the position she was sitting for right then. "I'm sorry. I was lost in thought. Please forgive me."

The medical board committee glanced at each other before giving her either a perplexed or sympathetic expression. Geet tried not to let them intimidate her but it was rather difficult with one member practically staring her down. She shifted her gaze to the woman next to him who spoke with a soft smile.

"Relax Dr. Handa. I assure you this interview while be much easier than even your medical school one." Geet nodded and clasped her hands on the white table thankful for the familiar face trying to ease her. "We have reviewed the case thoroughly but have a few questions."

Geet held her breath waiting for the blow. Recognizing the nervous tendency the lady's smile deepened, "Don't worry. We don't bite." She then glanced down the table and a corner upturned. "Well, I can't speak for all of us."

"I will give you whatever answers I can." She responded with forced normalcy.

"Your case has been in the limelight for quite some time, explain why you have not expressed personal opinion about your own case. It's obvious you also have connections and power, why did you not use those assets?"

"I wanted the truth to speak for itself. Besides, my opinion is of little consequence in this matter. In the end, the fate of my career and life lies in your hands and the law's."

As soon as those words slipped off her tongue she heard Meera's last four words echoing inside. It's only her right. Shaking her head, she looked at her with grit. "I take that back. I believe the fate of my career lies in your hands but not my life."

"You think you can pick and choose where and when fate intervenes?" The intimidating old man snorted.

Geet gazed him with a straight face realizing finally what Meera was trying to tell her. "We are humans capable of enough free will to control certain elements while others just happen, so the answer is no. We cannot solely change fate but we can love our fate and change our destiny."

He raised an eyebrow and continued to prod. "What makes you think destiny and fate are not one and the same?"

"When we make a choice it is destiny, when something happens it is fate. That's exactly what happened to me. My last day in the hospital was when fate intervened and showed me I had another destiny aside from being a doctor."

Silence fell over the room. No one had ever spoken so freely in such a context. Even Geet startled herself with what came out of her mouth. "So if we revoke your medical license you will have no qualms knowing you can never practice medicine again?"

Her throat constricted and mouth dried instantly. For the sake of not having all the work and support everyone gave her throughout this ordeal to go in vain Geet wanted to blurt out medicine was everything to her. Her mind told her to scream it was her love and passion. It was where her comfort laid. Logic wanted her to blurt all of these statements out but her heart wouldn't let her. It wouldn't let her because it would be a lie, a blatant lie and nothing else.

"Medicine will always be a part of my life. It holds a special place within me and always will. So if I can't practice again, I will indeed miss it but I certainly won't have qualms."

They were all taken aback and shifted in their chairs. "Will be happy walking out of this room without the title Doctor before your name? An identity you worked and gruel over for more than a decade, you are willing to give it up?"

Geet turned her head towards the door she had minutes ago walked through. Behind it she left the people that not only made what was in front of her possible but also the things that floated inside. She glanced back at the individuals in front of her and saw through them a life of duty, respect and prior personal commitment.

Behind the door she felt her mistakes be miniscule and sorrow swiftly glide away while tender moments of a comforting hand or loving gentle kiss lingered like a cloud. In front of her lay a previous life of an agonizingly monotonous routine with days of loneliness and nights of hollowness. Behind the door she saw a life filled with unknowns...a life on the preferred edge…a beginning to her story.

With determination Geet peered into their eyes one by one. "Our identity is not determined by what we gain or lose, it's a process we mold throughout our life. So I don't need the title Doctor before my name or MD after my name to be happy."

She paused and held the old man's stare who still was giving her a look of contempt. "As far as I'm concerned, I won't be giving up anything because the smiles of my patients will always be with me. I will walk away knowing I made a difference in someone's life."

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Will that contentment of treating those very few carry you through the rest of your life in peace without regrets of making this one mistake?" The old man asked waving his hand toward the file.

"I stand by the decision I made that day to help the patient in emergency. So I do not believe I made a mistake that day or any other day practicing. As for contentment in the rest of my life, all I need is what I have and love it completely."

For the first time during the entire hour did the man finally crack a smile. "I admire your confidence Dr. Handa and know very well of your dedication to your work. I wish you the very best of luck in the future."

Geet tilted her head inquisitively at the statement. She looked over at the woman who smiled broadly. "Dr. Handa, the medical board's decision is that you are not liable. We release your from suspension and have the freedom to practice once again."

She clasped her hands over her mouth releasing a gasp. After uttering all those words, Geet never expected them to give her license back. Seeing them stand she stood up, shook their hands and thanked them each. All but the woman who sat across from her asking most of the questions stayed behind.

"You grew to be a woman of conviction and courage Dr. Handa. It seems just like yesterday, you were in my class queasy at the sight of a cadaver."

Geet smiled up at the lady she called Dr. Roy in class and fondly remembered as Nani outside those four walls. She walked closer and hugged her tight. "Life teaches you what books don't. Only now have I learned that those lessons are more important."

"You know what they say, better late than never." Geet pulled away with tears in her eyes nodding. "Why these tears my dear? You have come such a long ways, now is the time to smile."

"These are happy tears Nani. It was professors like you that led me to be courageous and not give up. Thank you for all the support you gave me back then and now. I'm sure you had a great deal of influence in this decision."

The wrinkles around her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "I did what I'd do for any great and worthy doctor. Only promise me, you'll stick to the words you spoke today."

Geet laughed lightly. "Which words? I spoke a lot today." She shook her head knowing very well she knew exactly. "Don't play that with me. You know what I'm talking about. Accept your fate, love it but always remember it's not your destiny."

She shifted her eyes lower. "You told me years ago to listen to my heart and lead my life but I never did. I still didn't realize it until this morning when Meera knocked sense into me."

"I'm glad you listen to someone!" She chuckled and walked with her out of the conference room. "Now go or else you'll be late for court." Geet smiled, hugged her one last time and sprinted in the direction of her happiness.

Originally posted by: Newdime

LOL finally I got my spot back...hehehe

Bachna eh hasino lo mai aagayi...😆😎

Originally posted by: Limerance

I literally laughed out reading this...you're hilarious! 😆

Originally posted by: Krishnaluv94

just in time. :)

Originally posted by: Limerance

I swear you all just follow each other. Did you all time this? 😆

Now only Azi is missing!

Originally posted by: Newdime

WOW Marvelous...at some point I thought she will leave everything...but no...she wants more with her life...to be with the love ones...with Maan...and the rest.

I wonder love really change people?

God knows and the lovers...😆

Her hesitance is due to more than just Maan. She hasn't seen or heard from her brother in ten years and instantly he's back. Never has she felt true motherly love that she suddenly got from Dadi. Nor has she ever dealt with any romantic notions. All of these things are new, intriguing and desirable to a person like her whose's always wanted them but until now were out of reach.

So Geet basically feels inundated with all these new relationships and emotions. She has spent most of her entire life with a big void in these aspects so now with them filling Geet is questioning what would happen if she went back to living her former life. She knows she'd have to sacrifice time from relationships for work. And it makes her wonder what's worth more to her at the end of the day.

Remember though nothing is set in stone with Geet. She's only accepted now that it's okay to desire things. It's alright to want something for yourself for a change.

One battle down one to go...GO GEET GO.
Geet's going! Don't you worry! Lol

I can't wait to see Maan's reaction on this victory.

Hum honge kaamiyab hum honge Kaamiyab ek din...man main hai vishwas pura hai vishwas...hum honge kaamiyab ek din...

Great stuff...Min..excellent...

Thank you! I'm glad to have you back. I missed your lovely comments!