Shackles of Love#32#MG Chapter 73-75 - Page 2

CHAPTER 73:

After the fiasco at their house, Maan had warded off to the Nizamuddin Dargah to find some solace and Dev was taking Geet to meet him. Impatience lined her brows as Geet mentally willed Dev to drive faster.

However both were silent, Geet was lost in her melancholic thoughts while Dev wanted to give her the chance to retrospect and collect herself before she met Maan. He prayed and wished that all their misunderstandings be cleared giving way to happiness in the lives of these two scarred people. They had seen and bore enough.

He fervently wished that Maan would have the sense to not waste time in regrets and anger now and accept Geet without further ado. However, knowing his BIL's temper, he wasn't holding out much hope.

As they reached the entrance, Geet got down even before the car had completely stopped, and was about to run inside, but stopped and hurriedly thanked Dev for everything, running inside before he could react. Dev called behind her to stop but she was already running inside, forgetting everything else.

Scared that she may get lost, Dev hurriedly parked the car and rushed in after her. He ensured that she found Maan, before returning back home, silently seeking divine intervention, hoping all would be set right within the holy boundaries of the Dargah

===============

As she stepped into the sacred shrine, Geet could feel the peaceful aura of the place seeping and a feeling of contentment stole over her. The atmosphere rang with the calming voices of the Sufi singers paying homage to the saint and the holy air carried divinity which could brighten even the darkest soul. The serene atmosphere imbibed itself into the heart and soul of every person who sought it by granting boons and planting hopes in the lives of those who were marred by their destinies.

Maan too found a semblance of gratification here which soothed his bruised and torn heart.

Preet Ki Lath Mohe Aaisi Laagi Ho Gayi Main Matwaali

Bal Bal Jaaun Apane Piya Ko Ke Main Jaaun Vaari Vaari

Mohe Sudh Budh Naa Rahe Tan Mann Ki Teh Toh Jaane Duniya Saari

Bebas Aur Laachar Phiru Main Haari Main Dil Haari

Geet didn't need to think where to go; her feet ran on their accord as if a missing part of her soul was calling out to her, guiding her to find its counterpart.

And she was not disappointed.

She saw him as soon as she entered the inner sanctum, her thirsty eyes drinking in his presence. This was the man she loved, and by Babaji's grace, he loved her too.

She touched the grilled wall separating them, wanting to feel him and he jerked back as if he sensed her.

[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc12cZCKjdI[/YOUTUBE]

Tere Naam Se Jee Loon Tere Naam Se Marr Jaaun

Teri Jaan Ke Sadke Mein Kuchh Aaisa Kar Jaaun

Tune Kya Kar Dala Marr Gayi Main Mitt Gayi Main

Ho Ri Haan Ri Ho Gayi Main Teri Deewani Deewani

She jumped back scathed, hiding from his searching glance, feeling scared all of a sudden, apprehensive about his reaction.

However, she was in the harem of a Lord's favored child, and she had faith that nothing could go wrong here. What did she have to fear when she was surrounded by goodness all around?

She had loved him even when he had done everything wrong, and now when he was doing it right was it any wonder that she had fallen deeper? She loved everything about him, his love, his anger his stubbornness, his care, his ego, his passion.

She was his and he was hers.

She turned back to look at him, her eyes playing hide and seek with his, but then she should have realized that this was Maan.

Her Maan!

If she could recognize and find him in the crowd, then he could certainly feel her presence too.

Ishq Junoon Jab Hadh Se Badh Jaaye Hanste Hanste Aashiq Suli Chadh Jaaye

Ishq Ka Jaadu Sar Chadhkar Bole Khoob Laga Lo Pehre Raste Rab Khole

She looked up to see his eyes burning into hers. Embarrassed at being caught spying at him, she hurriedly looked away and seeing the 'wishing wall' started to tie a mannat knot but her trembling fingers refused to obey her and she was fumbling badly when she felt his hands covering hers and helping her in tying the knot.

They both tied the knot together, ensuring that one more shackle bound them forever and beyond.

Unbeknownst to her, her dupatta had slipped of her head and Maan covered her head again, his hands lingering near her face, brushing against her cheeks and left her to go back inside to complete the rituals.

Yehi Ishq Ki Marzi Hain Yehi Rab Di Marzi Hain

Yehi Ishq Ki Marzi Hain Yehi Rab Ki Marzi Hain

Tere Bin Jeena Kaisa Kya Kudgarzi Hai

She turned back to look at the knot he had helped her tie, wishing and praying to bind them together for eternity. And maybe this is what their destiny had written for them, that is why here they were meeting in the house of God, to solemnize their relationship.

Tune Kya Kar Dala Marr Gayi Main Mitt Gayi Main

Ho Ri Haan Ri Ho Gayi Main Teri Deewani Deewani

She left from there, going towards the outer sanctum and sat there against the wall, trying to calm her wayward heartbeats which were running a mile a minute.

Ke Main Rang Rangili Deewani Ke Main Albeli Main Mastani

Gaaun Bajaaun Sabko Rijhaaun He Rang Se Begaani

Ke Main Deewani Main Deewani

She glanced inside to see him sitting there, his head bent in reverence, admiring him from afar, a sweet adoring smile adorning her face, magnifying her beauty. This strong and vulnerable man was hers to love to eternity and even he had accepted it. She was so happy that she felt like dancing, yet couldn't ignore a thick barrier that her irrational behavior had weaved between them. Nevertheless, she would break them all today, she vowed but until then she consoled herself with bowing her head in gratitude before Him.

Tere Naam Se Jee Loon Tere Naam Se Marr Jaaun

Tere Jaan Ke Sadle Mein Kuchh Aaisa Kar Jaaun

Tune Kya Kar Dala Marr Gayi Main Mitt Gayi Main

Ho Ri Haan Ri Ho Gayi Main

Teri Deewani Deewani Teri Deewani Deewani

Teri Deewani Deewani Teri Deewani Deewani

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was her sitting in a corner, her eyes trained on him, waiting for him. Those eyes shone like luminous bulbs the message clear for him to read. There was no hint of hesitation or coyness in her surrender. Love shone like a beacon and it was calling out to him.

He came towards her, their eyes meeting and locking and like always words became superfluous. Their eyes spoke to each other, one repentant and pleading while the other portraying hurt.

Whatever they read in each other's eyes seemed to satisfy their burning and restless hearts and they turned as one, in tune with each other and started walking towards the exit, their hands brushing against each other.

Their hearts knew what the other wanted and their souls were shackled for eternity.

Geet was looking at him adoringly, when a holy-man came to them and blessed them with being together forever.

============

By now they had come out of the Dargah and were walking towards Maan's car, but both had yet to speak a word. Geet was fearful about his reaction. She kept trying to formulate words in her mind, to at least apologize for her hurtful behavior, but words refused to come.

They both drove him in heavy silence, both lost in their own thoughts. The kaleidoscope of emotions was confusing and taking a toll on both.

Geet was jolted out of her thoughts when Maan braked in front of their house, and motioned to her to get down. Sighing in frustration, Geet did as she was bid and turned back to wait for him, but to her chagrin, he impassively told her that he was going to the office for some work and drove off before she could protest.

She walked home with leaded steps, disheartened at his behavior but having only herself to blame.

The hours passed by with excruciating slowness in which all Geet could do was agonize over how she could pacify her angry and hurt husband. Deciding to get some cooking down, she got down to making his favorite pasta, hoping to mellow down his mood.

However, there was no sign of him even when the clock struck 9 o'clock. Unable to withstand the suspense further, Geet decided that she would go to his office and be done with it now. At most he would shout at her and yell, but at least it was better than this axe hanging on her head.

She knew he loved her, she believed in him, didn't she? She questioned herself? Then why did she fear him?

Making up her mind, Geet didn't waste any time.

The main office building was in shadows as everyone had left by now, but the light coming from below the door of Maan's cabin gave him away.

She opened the door to see him standing by the window gazing into the inky blankness. The bleak and wounded expression on his face hurt her more than she thought possible.

At her brisk knock, he looked startled to find her there and his face blanked out, masking any sign of his emotions and the usual blank face was back. He motioned her to come inside and be seated, and turned away to pick up a file disinterestedly.

"Kuch kaam tha tumhe?" he queried without looking at her.

Going up to him, she hugged him from back, her hands going around his shoulders as she sobbed into his back, "I am sorry Maan. Please mujhe maaf kar dijiye. I am so sorry. Pata nahi kya ho gaya tha mujhe! Aap jaante ho na, mai to jhalli hu! Kya bolti hu, kyu bolti hu, kuch samajh nahi aata."She hiccoughed, "I didn't really mean it, Maan. I had no intentions of hurting you. Gusse main na jaane kya kuch keh gayi. Please, mujhe maaf kar dijiye. Maaf nahi kar sakte to daant lo, chilla lo, par aapki yeh khamoshi mujhse bardasht nahi hoti. It kills me to see you like this Maan. Main aapko dukh nahi dena chahti thi. Aapko chot nahi pahuchana chahti thi."

Maan who had initially wanted to push her away to keep a semblance of sanity by maintaining the distance between them by now was not only shocked but was also drowning in the depth of her pain. It wasn't just her pain after all, it was his as well. Both of them had been hurt and scarred, marred by the brutal realities of their lives and then had left no stone unturned in adding to each other's woes. Just when he thought it would be smooth sailing from here on, another storm would quickly emerge threatening to destroy them in its wake.

It wasn't easy to fight always. He knew he had made many mistakes that he needed to make up to her but her accusations from the evening were like a jolt of reality mocking him in his face.

The unbeatable man was being eroded by the mere thought that he had failed to instill the trust and faith for him and their relationship in her.

Just when his bleeding heart had started to heal it was as if someone had brutally stabbed it a thousand times. And he had no clue who was to shoulder the blame of this massacre - Annie who had changed the CD, Geet who had injected those venomous words straight through his heart or he himself who had hurt her so much that now no matter what he did, she didn't find him worthy of her trust! He felt her tears soaking the fabric of his shirt and much to his own surprise when he shut his eyes; he found a treacherous tear making its way down his cheek and landing on the back of her hand, startling her.

He was crying because of her, the thought was killing her. But she didn't leave him. She didn't think she had the courage to see him breaking down again and she knew he won't like it either.

The last time, he had sought her out to heal his wounds, but today, she was the one who had inflicted them, making her hate herself more.

And in that instance, she decided to put an end to their misery. No matter the consequences, she knew it was now or never. She had to say it and so she strengthened her hold on him as she mustered the courage to bare her heart to him.

The extent of her pain was closing on him making it difficult for him to breathe in the suffocating air around him. He breathed in heavily and sealed his mouth tight to stop himself from screaming out aloud when she uttered the soulful words, he was yearning for. Her words landed like the drops of fresh rains on the parched and drought-prone land.

The words began to heal the deepest of his scar just as they were uttered.

"I love you, Maan." She breathed amidst her incessant sobs, leaving behind any reservations she had in face if his pain, "Main maanti hu ki meri galti bahoot badi hai par mai aapse bahoot pyaar karti hu, Maan. Aapse ladte ladte kab aapse pyaar kar baithi pata hi nahi chala. Khudko rokna chaha par sab fizool tha. Please mujhe maaf kar dijiye Maan. Main aapke bina jee nahi paungi..."

Like an oasis to a man lost in a heated dessert, Maan drank in those words. They acted like a balm on his bruised heart and ego.

Maan tried to turn around but she refused to let go, just sobbing and apologizing over and over again. With almost herculean force, Maan managed to free himself and turn around. Gripping her chin, he raised her tear wet eyes up to meet his and kept a finger on her lips whispering, "Chup! Bilkul chup."

There was something in those simple words which quieted Geet down and made her heart lurch. She gazed into his eyes which had gone all dark with brimming emotions. Now that he had her attention Maan stated calmly, "Mai tumse naraz nahi hu. Apni taqdeer se khafa hu bas."

"Maan…" His name trembled like a prayer on her lips.

"Shhh…" He murmured, his hands went to frame her face and his thumbs wiped away the tears from her cheeks.

One of her hands came up to cover his hand and she caught it to bring it to her lips and turning her head she placed a kiss on his palm, "Can you forgive me?"

Smiling at her innocence, "There's nothing to forgive Geet. Shayad mai tumhari jagah hota to mai bhi aise hi react karta…" he reflected in melancholy.

"But…?" she asked sensing his hesitation.

"Kuch nahi…"

"Kuch to hai na Maan. Aap khush nahi hai. Aapki aakhon me saaf dikh raha hai. Instead of happiness I am seeing shadows in them. You are still upset hai na? Aap ek kaam karo, aap bhi mujh par chilla lo." She said and he chuckled sadly gently shaking his head for no. She frowned and bend her head low as guilt consumed her, "Maine aapka bahoot dil dukhaya hai na Maan? Sahi bhi to hai, itna kuch kaha maine...sirf chillane se thodi sab theek ho jayega. Aap chaho to 2 thapad kheench ke laga lo, I promise I won't utter a word." said that she shut her eyes tight and went still as if in anticipation of a slap while a dumbfounded Maan looked at her as if she had grown two horns. She could actually think that he would hurt her, abuse her physically but in an instant he reminded himself of what atmosphere she had been raised in at Darji's house. His throat constricted in pain and he gently cupped her face that caused her to flinch just a bit in surprise but she didn't dare open her eyes. He leaned forward and gently pecked her forehead, "Aankhen kholo Geet." His voice was comforting yet firm. She looked up at him in confusion. "Don't make me think so low of myself Geet." She opened her mouth to protest but he placed his finger on her lips and leaned in to look straight in her eyes as if to make a point, "I can never raise my hand on you, not even in my wildest dreams." He affirmed making her smile.

He smiled back, pulling her into his embrace, and she went willingly, keeping her head against his heart listening to its rhythmic beats. Both felt at peace like they were finally where they belonged.

Maan's voice broke the contented silence, "Haan, lekin iska ye matlab nahi ke sab theek ho gaya hai. I am going to hold on to your offer of a punishment for a later date."

He smirked as Geet's eyes widened apprehensively, "Kya karoge aap?"

"Mai nahi karunga Geet! Tum karogi. Jo bhi mai bolu wo!" He winked, making her realize that he was jesting and had some evil plan up his sleeve. She hit him hard on his chest in protest and he laughed out loud, pulling her back in his embrace. Even though she continued to crib and pout and call him names, she was happy to see that sparkle back in his eyes which she had caused to vanish by her one foolish deed.

After some time, they separated unwillingly and made their way home. Maan wanted to skip dinner, but Geet persisted and both had a quite dinner.

=========

A laden silence surrounded both as they lay on the far side of the bed, feeling awkward and self conscious ever since the confession. The only sound to be heard was the loud breathing and the incessant turning and tossing as both tried to get comfortable while clearly trying to avoid the other's eye.

But sleep eluded them.

Both were used to sleeping in each other's arms and after what had transpired today, the longing for closeness was apparent but both were hesitant. Geet out of shyness, whereas Maan out was still thinking about Geet's accusations and he didn't want to do anything that might be misconstrued as such.

After nearly an hour of restless agitation, Maan had had enough. He turned to look at Geet who was pretending to sleep with her back to him and stretched his arm to touch her shoulder, "Geet…"

She turned to look at him at his husky whisper and saw the same longing in his eyes, mirroring her own. Not needing a second invitation, she crawled to him and wrapped her hand tightly around his middle and kept her head on his chest. He in turn wrapped his hand around her and pulled her closer, dropping a chaste peck on her forehead. However, the feel of her against his lips only served to fuel the hunger which he had kept sheathed within him and he couldn't help himself but explore further.

His lips lingered on her eyes, placing gentle kisses as he moved towards her lips to kiss them lightly. What started out as a sweet kiss deepened into a soulful one especially when he felt her reciprocating wholeheartedly. They both got lost in the world of sensations and it was a long time before they broke apart. A sigh of contentment escaped both as they tried to reign in their harsh breathing. Maan looked at Geet lovingly and she smiled bashfully in return, burrowing more closely into the crook of his shoulder to hide her red face.

To his disappointment, she whispered, "Good night, Maan." and kissed him on his cheek before settling down on his arm and closing her eyes. Maan also whispered back, "Good night, Geet." while trying to calm his raging libido.

Maan had been just about to drop off, the events of the day finally catching up when he felt a finger trailing along the outline of his vest. Not just any finger, Geet's finger. He tried to control his body's wayward reactions to her advances, but his muscles grew stiffer with each loving caress of hers. Finally unable to bear her torture, he grabbed her hand to stop her foray and asked her with his eyes still closed, "Tum kya kar rahi ho?"

Geet peeked at him, embarrassed at being caught and she stuttered, "Kuch nahi bas aevehi…" and again hid herself and pretended to sleep.

Only a few minutes had passed when he again felt Geet poking her hand into his bicep.

"Geet," He snapped, "Ye kya kar rahi ho? Sona nahi hai tumhe?"

"Nahi...Wo mujhe aapko kuch kehne tha….."

"Kal keh dena. It's late and I am tired. Go to sleep." He protested and tried sleeping only to feel her poking finger once again. "Maaan…." She whined.

He got up irritably and sat against the headboard, putting on the bedside light and rubbing his eyes sleepily, "Bolo! Kya bolna hai?"

Geet who had her complain ready shriveled under his angry glare, and muttered a, "Rehne dijiye! Kal hi baat kar lenge."

"Geeet…." The word was out through gritted teeth, all thoughts of love and contentment having died a natural death as he glared at the infuriatingly frustrating woman in front of him.

Seeing his raising anger, she blurted out, "Wo…I just wanted to say, mujhe Annie ki CD zyada acchi lagi thi!"

"Whattt…….." he nearly screamed, glaring at her in stunned disbelief. Whatever he had imagined her saying THAT had been the very last thing.

Seeing his angry red eyes, she gulped hard but bravely ventured forward with her POV, "Haan, aur nahi to kya. Usme Annie ne meri kitni tareef ki thi. Aur aapne?" she made a disgruntled face.

Maan gaped at her like a fish out of water, trying to make sense of her nonsense. Did she just condemn his hours and hours of hard work, he thought angrily.

When he didn't say anything to her discourse, she added in a stuck-up voice, "Maan you should always take constructive criticism in your stride. It will help you improve next time." She said meaningfully.

Maan gave her a quelling glance and just turned off the light and tried to go back to sleep, pulling the blanket over his head and turning his back to her pissed off at her attitude. "Himmat to dekho, pehle burai karti hai upar se she expects a 'next' time."

Geet sighed in disappointment, but she wasn't one to give up was she? She crawled over to his side and again tried, "Maan… accha ye to bata do, had you been asked to select a song to describe me, aap kaunsa gana chunte?"

"Geet if you don't shut up and go to sleep, I will bind and gag you to the sofa!" Maan threatened.

Geet's eyes opened wide in stunned dismay, "Dekha aapne Babaji! Aaj hi mujhe zindagi bhar ki kasme di aur aaj hi mujhse bore ho gaye. Kaise insaan ke saath jod diya mujhe…" She cribbed.

"Agar tumhara drama khatam ho gaya ho to mai so jau?" Maan asked her in mock politeness.

"Dusht! Danav!" she muttered.

"Maine suna…"

"Haan! To sunane ke liye hi kaha tha..." Geet countered and sat there pouting angrily as he just turned away and slept off.

She just sat there recollecting the day's events and a smile automatically came to her lips. Her love filled eyes took in their fill of him as he lay there. A stray lock of hair fell on his forehead and sleep had softened the harsh contours of his face making him look adorable.

She bent forward and gently brushed it back. Lying down beside him, she dropped a peck on his bicep and clutching his arm cuddled closer murmuring, "Jaise bhi ho mere Dusht Danav ho!"

Precap:

Geet's boss😡😉😆

Author's Note :