Part 46
The first rays of dawn passed through sheer ivory drapes casting brilliant warmth into the room of a sleeping princess. Only tiny specks of golden light touched the beautiful girl as a shield lay beside her permitting her dreams to continue. This princess was the apple of her father's eye and showered with all the love of those that met her, Geet being no exception. With her big innocent eyes, plump rosy cheeks and a heart so loving Piyu quietly sneaked her way into Geet's heart and established herself within effortlessly.
She always had a fondness for children but the feeling was much deeper with Piyu. From the moment she became aware of a mother's absence in the bubbly girl's life an all too familiar ache reverberated within her. Even a glance at Piyu caused memories of her own childhood to flash in her mind. Feelings of emptiness washed over every time recollecting the lonely nights spent yearning a mother's touch.
Geet always knew Maan loved her and would do anything for her, like her own father, but the void of a singular person who brought us into this world is still present. She knew that all too well. It's why she unconsciously began to shower all the love she had for the little girl. Her place in their lives was to be temporary but by crossing boundaries with love Geet settled permanently into each of their hearts.
Glancing at Maan, who had fallen asleep on the sofa, a smile swept her face. She promised him all her love and devotion a mere few hours ago. Now sleeping beside Piyu, she promised his daughter, their daughter the same. As long as she would be around she wasn't going to let a shadow cast on her. Only pure light of love and happiness would touch her. There would be no pain nicking away her innocent heart or yearning aching her soul. Caressing her forehead Geet vowed to make sure her innocent Piyu never faced the difficulties she did for a mother's love.
The vision before his eyes was one he'd like to awaken with every day. The sun's warm rays hit the two women he loved so dearly making them appear as the angels they were. With Geet's back facing the window and a hand gently brushing the stray curls away Piyu snuggled into her body while simultaneously cuddled her bunny over her eyes to avoid the light. A serene smile tugged his lips as he stared blissfully knowing no one other than Geet was meant for them.
Geet's attention was fully focused on a stirring Piyu to see Maan's happiness. Realizing even the little bit of sunlight was being a nuisance to Piyu she moved off the bed slowly to shut the curtains fully. In the process Piyu rolled on her stomach to the opposite unoccupied side of the bed trying to find darkness but instead felt the cold sheets. The temperature change wandered her sleep away and rustled between the sheets. Hearing the noise Geet turned her head over her shoulder to Maan staring with adoration at Piyu who was slowly awakening.
After accomplishing the task she came to do, Geet returned to the settle the side of the bed occupied all night. As Piyu turned to lie on her back her eyes slowly began to open. After blinking away the haze, her vision adjusted to see a clear outline of Geet. Still cuddling her bunny tightly she started to sit up with wide smile seeing not only Geet but also Maan there.
"Good morning Piyu." Geet greeted with an affectionate smile.
Piyu's initial reaction was of joy causing her to throw back the covers and jump at Geet with a hug. But recalling the previous night she pulled back and sat against her headboard with her signature pout. Holding her bunny tightly against her chest Piyu fidgeted with its ear.
Maan observed her with curiosity then glanced at Geet wondering about the sudden change in behavior. He got off the sofa and made his way over by them. He sat on the opposite side of Geet with Piyu in the middle of the bed. "Why the big frown?"
She simply turned her head away from him and continued giving her sour pucker and knit eyebrows. Geet smiled at Maan realizing what this might have to do with. "Are you upset sweetheart?"
With a nod and twist of the mouth she answered. Maan leaned over grabbed onto both of her small feet and pulled her towards him. He knew the only way to make her smile would be for the tickle monster to make a visit. Piyu, however, wasn't too keen and tried to hold on to mattress trying to kick his hands off. "Stop Dad! Leave me alone!"
Maan managed to pull her entire body into his arms with relative ease. Piyu now resorted to hitting him with her bunny which amused him and infuriated her further. "I don't want to leave you alone though. I need my Piyu hug of the day."
"You don't get a hug from me because you always leave me!" She stated with a frown then turned to Geet. "And you're making Geet like you too! Both of you left me last night!"
Geet gave a sad face sympathizing with Piyu while Maan shook his head. "I watched the fireworks all by myself yesterday."
"Isn't that an exaggeration honey? Uncle Vicky, Rohan, M—" Maan stated but quickly got cut.
"It was only Uncle Vicky and me! Do you know what that's like Dad! He wouldn't even let me sit on his shoulders like you do." She cried with her voice extra dramatic.
Maan kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry honey for leaving you in the hands of your mean Uncle Vicky but I had to."
She crossed her arms over her chest in the same fashion as he did when upset. "Why did you have to?" Then turning her head to nod at Geet questioned. "And why did Geet have to come with you?"
Maan grinned wide glancing at Geet before replying, "Because it was my sharing time with Geet." Piyu hit him on the shoulder. "You don't know how to share Dad. You only hog!"
He pushed back her wild hair and lovingly gazed her. "Actually, we were getting a gift for you."
Piyu's eyes widen and her mouth opened to give a toothy smile. "A gift! You both got me a present!" She searched her eyes around the room for a package with a big bow but saw nothing. "Where is it Dad? I don't see it. Did you hide it in Geet's house?"
Maan watched Geet who had a tinge of red flowing in her cheeks. He held onto Piyu tightly and cradled her into his arms facing the newest official addition in their small family. Pointing at Geet he smiled wide. "Your special birthday gift is right in front of you."
Past
"Dadi go rest, I will take care of everything." Maan said pushing her to relax after the exhausting day.
She glanced around the living room knowing for certain she couldn't just relax. It looked as if it had been hit by a party city bomb. Confetti embedded in every nook of the furniture, torn streamers hanging here and there and floating balloons covered the marble floor completely. "Maan you can't clean up by yourself. Look at this place!"
He rolled his eyes. "Dadi, I have Nakul and the staff on it. I'm putting Piyu to bed and you do the same. You've overworked yourself organizing this party."
"There is no question of being overworked when doing something for your children. I'm just glad Piyu enjoyed her birthday." She stared at Piyu's room in silence wondering where the years went. It seemed just like yesterday she came into this house as a fragile baby of 8 weeks. But today she sprouted into a rambunctious five year old.
How does time fly she wondered. Turning back to Maan she lovingly patted his cheek. "Are you sure you don't want me to put her to bed?"
Maan nodded his head with a soft smile. "I will do it." With a goodnight Dadi left to her room while Maan ventured in the opposite direction towards Piyu.
"Is my birthday girl ready for bed?" He asked opening the door expecting nothing of the kind. Bedtime was the hardest part of the day for Piyu. Her energy level never seemed to dwindle.
Walking around the bed he found her sitting on the ground surrounded by towers of gift boxes. She fidgeted with pink bow disinterested. Maan grew concerned seeing her lacking her normal enthusiasm. After sitting beside her he lifted her off the ground and into his lap.
"Didn't you enjoy your day sweetheart?"
She avoided his gaze but nodded yes now shredding the pink ribbon into pieces. "Then why the long face?"
Peering up at her Dad's she frowned with eyes glistening. "If I tell you do you promise not to get mad?"
"Piyu I can never be mad at you." He stated kissing her forehead before wrapping her tightly into his arms. "Now tell me what's wrong?"
She played with her fingers staring them intently before mumbling. "I want mom."
A cold shiver ran through his body. He had heard her question Dadi a few times before about her mother but never before did he hear her explicitly state her desire until now. He could give her everything she wanted in the world but he didn't know if he'd ever be able to give her a mother she so deserved.
"All the other girls say I have no mom because I'm bad girl. Is that true Dad? Did mom go away because I bad?" Anger rose inside Maan wondering how little girls could just spew words so hurtful. Seeing her eyes threatening to release salty pearls, he put his anger aside and tried to comfort her best he could.
"Don't listen to what they say. You are the best girl in the world." He comforted with a smile but inside he was shattered realizing he couldn't protect her from everything like he vowed to.
"Then why did she go away? Why don't I have a mom like other girls?" Maan's eyes filled with sadness. How could he explain to her that she was suffering for something entirely out of her hands? How could he explain to her that despite wanting to relieve all her pain he was entirely helpless in their situation?
In truth he couldn't, at least not now. Tightening his arms around her he snuggled her close and tried to appease her for the time being. "Your mom didn't leave you because you were bad honey. You will see her one day…I promise."
Piyu's heart wasn't settled though. "When will I see her?" Unwinding her arms she pulled away to look at him with hopeful eyes that pierced his heart. "One day Piyu, you'll see her one day."
She shook her head. "I want to see her now though." As a tear streamed down her cheek Maan stifled back his own seeing her hurt. "You can't see her now baby…she's…"
As more tears trickled out he couldn't bare it any longer. Seeing the apple of his eye agonize was the last straw resulting in him doing the one thing he promised himself he would never do to Piyu, lie. "She's busy right now honey." Wiping away her tears he cupped her face into his hands and smiled. "Mom is busy training to be the best mom she can be for you. Once she's finished you will be the first to see her."
"Do you think she'll be done with mommy training on my next birthday?" Swallowing the pit in his throat he forced a smile and nodded. Seeing his assurance was enough for Piyu. She had no doubt in him because for her, he was always right, he was her hero. Smiling for the first time she cuddled into her daddy's protective arms. "Don't get me anything next year dad. Having mom will be the best gift ever."
A few drops despite his best efforts spilled out. He knew it was wrong to give a false hope to a child yet seeing her ache for the impossible was also unbearable to him. It was clear to Maan that moving forward. He would have to try harder to keep her happy. He would have to give her all the love of the world to eclipse the fact that he would never be able to give her that one love she so desired, a mother's.
Present
Maan's eyes clouded recalling that night. It never crossed his mind for a second he'd ever fulfill Piyu's one and only wish but he had, Geet had. Blinking away the past he glanced between Piyu and Geet ready for the future. "Geet is the gift you've been waiting for Piyu."
Piyu tilted her head back at Maan then eyed Geet peculiarly before understanding what he meant. "You mean this is my mom?" She questioned in a mixture of fascination and disbelief. Maan simply nodded with a smile.
Her eyes gleamed with pure happiness. "She's been here all along but you didn't tell me!" As she fought to get out of his lap Maan released her hold and she jumped into Geet's arms. "Did you see? I'm a good girl. Aren't I?" A flash of sadness roved in her eyes as looked up at Geet. "You won't leave me again will you? I promise I'll always behave."
Geet pulled Piyu into her embrace tightly. Those words rang an all too painful familiarity in Geet and it was the one thing she never wanted Piyu feel. Starting now she was going erase all thoughts from her mind that she ever was unwanted or undesired. "I love you too much to even think about leaving you."
Piyu latched on tightly to her neck and smiled wrapping both of her legs around Geet's waist. She reciprocated her own affection by kissing the top of her curly hair. Feeling wetness Piyu, on her cheek, she pulled away feeling the wetness. With her small fingers she wiped away the tears. "Why are you crying Mom?"
Geet softly smiled and gushed out more tears hearing Piyu accept her so naturally. The mere thought of being a mother felt overwhelming daunting and scary but hearing a child with such love and affection call out to you made Geet realize there was nothing else more rewarding. Brushing her dark chestnut curls back a brilliant smile illuminated Geet's face. "These are happy tears baby."
Piyu shook her head not understanding what happy tears were. "Dad says no tears ever…right?" She turned to Maan who was watching them with pure contentment finally feeling what it meant to be family. He nodded with a smile.
Yet Geet couldn't control her emotions or their connector, her tear ducts. Piyu again called out to Maan knowing only he could make her stop crying. "Dad I think you need to give Mom a kiss." Maan chuckled seeing Geet's eyes widen and cheeks flush. "What's so funny Dad! Every time you kiss my boo boo I stop crying."
Geet knew the possibility of this scenario in front of her was going to be absolutely mortifying. After a quick icy glare at Maan for still laughing she lifted Piyu out of her arms to get take her to the bathroom and get her ready.
Piyu had other ideas in mind and ran to the opposite side of the bed where Maan sat. She leaned into his ear cupping a hand over the side of her mouth while she whispered something giggling. Maan stared at Geet the all the while grinning wide. Once she was finished Piyu smiled at Geet and ran out of the room.
Geet tried to call after her but it was useless. Facing Maan she raised an eyebrow. "What was that all about?"
He got off the bed and walked to stand in front of her wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "She left to make sure you got your kiss without being embarrassed about it." Geet couldn't believe her ears or the fact that Maan was still grinning. "What!?"
It was hard for Maan not to chuckle again seeing Geet flaming red. "She said that all mommies are embarrassed about being kissed in front of their kids and didn't want to make you feel bad about it."
Shaking her head Geet knew what Piyu had to cut back on, spending time with Vicky and the television. Taking advantage of her speechlessness he snaked his hands down to her waist and tugged her closer. Geet, however, wasn't entirely over his earlier amusement. "Mr. Khurana, have you no shame in front of our daughter?"
"What did I do? She's the one that said it." He smiled with twinkling eyes not missing the word our instead of your. "I'm only fulfilling my duty."
Geet wasn't buying his innocent duty line but still smiled at him with happiness. He was a man of his word and, duty especially towards those he loved would always come foremost. With a simper she turned her face to the left and leaned in closer to him. "Fulfill away Maan."
He had no qualms in pleasing his lady and kissed her soft cheek tenderly. Twisting back to face him Geet motioned towards the door. "Should we go tell everyone else the happy news?"
Simultaneously a scream was heard from downstairs. Maan winced knowing who it was and gave Geet an apologetic expression. "Piyu wanted to be the one to tell everyone about her mom." He glanced towards the door then back at Geet. "From that sound I think Meera knows."
Hearing stomping footsteps Maan released Geet before he got yelled at again for embarrassing. Meera walked in that instance and ran towards Geet giving her a bear hug almost knocking her on the bed behind her.
"Geet! I'm so happy for you both!" Geet hugged her back firmly with a broad smile before a blush spread seeing Dadi over her shoulder.
Releasing her Meera went over to Maan and to congratulate him too. Dadi held Geet's face in her hands kissed her forehead. "I knew from the moment I saw you no one was better suited for Maan."
Geet let a small laugh out now understanding why Dadi always pushed her into Maan's way. Though it was frustrating she definitely didn't regret any of it. "I'm blessed Dadi that you thought me worthy of him."
Her eyes welled knowing for certain she no longer had to worry about Maan. "We are the blessed ones to have you Geet. You've brought Maan back to life…you gave Piyu a mother…when I breath my last breathe it will be in peace knowing they have your love always."
Geet wiped a tear from her eye. "Don't say that Dadima, you have a long life with us." Gazing at Maan and Piyu who played with Rohan she smiled. "You're right though I will always love them, more than anything in the world."
"I know Beta." Dadi patted her cheek lovingly. Their tender moment would have continued had it not been for a ruckus coming from the guys and Meera.
Turning their attention over they saw Meera was wagging a finger at Maan not very pleased. "I can't believe you didn't tell us beforehand Maan!"
"Meera you can't be trusted. You would have told Geet!" Vicky replied smugly. "It's why Bro only told us guys."
Her mouth gaped realizing she was left out and raised an eyebrow towards Maan saying I'm not happy. "I'm sorry Meera but I'm sure you can forgive me, no?"
She tapped a finger on her chin for a few seconds before her lips twisted into a half smile. "I suppose I could… if you let me design for your wedding."
Maan assented immediately with a smile of his own. "That's not even a question Meera. Geet and I wouldn't trust anyone but you. Right Geet?"
"Of course Maan but I would rather have you enjoy it than work--." Meera immediately cut her off. "I would enjoy nothing more than planning the happiest day of your lives Geet." Tears began to flood Geet's eyes and she nodded.
"Besides, who said I'm doing this alone? Rohan and Vicky are my assistants." She smirked seeing both of their mouths gape open. Vicky and Meera ensued into a fight which Maan and Dadi tried to referee. Geet's attention fell to the doorway, where Uncle Chopra stood staring with a serene smile.
Geet immediately rushed over to hug him. She respected and loved him beyond words so his approval was essential for her. He was a guiding light to her and Rohan, it was his blessings and love for them for that protected them all along and she wanted that always.
"You're not my little Geet anymore." He said with sadness stifling few tears. She pulled away and smiled up at him. "To you I will always be the little Geet."
He agreed whole heartedly with that. His fondest memories were always of the little innocent girl in pigtails. But those were memories, in reality she grew up to be the beautiful woman in front of him. A woman who was ready to settle down with a man he knew could give her everything.
"I couldn't bear to lose you to anyone but Maan." He recalled the first time he saw Maan and Geet together at the party. His eyes never left Geet that night or any other time whenever Geet was in the room. If that wasn't love, he didn't know what was.
What raised his respect for him even more was the fact he sought both his and Rohan's permission for Geet's hand. "I know he will give you the world and more Geet." Turning her gaze at him, Geet beamed knowing there certainly was no other truth.
This wondrous beginning to the day set in motion all their plans for the future. Dadima was over the moon having Geet as an official part of the family. She wanted to celebrate the one and only dream she felt would always remain unfilled, Maan's wedding with all grandeur. Enlisting Meera in her plans, it was difficult for Maan or Geet to get a single word in.
In the end, they happily gave over control and plans began to be made. Dadima saw no other place better suited for a wedding than India to which Meera agreed wholeheartedly. Uncle Chopra firmly took all responsibilities along with Rohan from Geet's side. After making a short trip to London, he planned to join them in India. As the massiveness of the situation hit Dadima, she also changed plans and decided to leave earlier than the rest of them to get the house in order. Not wanting her to travel alone, Vicky decided to join her on the trip back in two days while the remaining gang stuck to their original departure date a week away. Although their vacation was no longer a vacation, their eagerness to go changed to sheer impatience for each of them wanted to see the two most deserving people finally begin their happily ever after.
Edited by Limerance - 12 years ago
CID
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
448