MG FF THE DIVINE FLOWER : thread 2: PART 39 : page 141 17th may - Page 22

PAST :

Geet woke up next morning, her mind feeling blissful and light since the day she saw Maan at the party. Now she knew that things had finally settled either at one end or the other. Either she was on it and or she should run away from it. Even though the idea was painful she was determined to do it for his sake and concede to the decision that fate had in store for them. Sometimes things are just meant to be and you need to follow them. Even while debating all these reasons with herself, Geet was aware that what made her peaceful was her strong belief on her love which was pure and honest that she knew even destiny can't challenge. She was extremely happy that dadima decided to visit the temple and then have the breakfast. Geet herself wanted to go to the temple first thing in the morning and so they were at their entrance when dadima bumped into one of her old acquaintances and was chatting. Geet's heartbeat rose as she could remember similar to her board-exam-result days, this was indeed the test of her life-time. And finally they reached the divine shrine and prayed. Geet closed her eyes, "bhagwaanji ap jo bhi mere liye sochenge mere bhale ke liye hi hoga..bas mujhe sahi raah dikha do aur agar me kuch galat umeed rakh rhi hu to abhi se jaga do mujhe. I know you would help me he na, he na bhagwaanji??"

Her serious pleadings were interrupted by the panditji who called her by name and was waiting for her to open her eyes to give her the prashad. Geet extended her hand which was almost shaking. Just at the moment when the blue lotus fell on her palm from the priest's hands, a little boy jumped up to reach the temple bell and rang it continuously making it all the more divine for Geet if it was possible. Her eyes twinkled with joy and she looked at dadi without making any effort to conceal her happiness. Dadi was happy for Geet even though she had no idea what her wish was. When they were returning back, all Geet could think was about Maan. She couldn't wait to see him again and tell how much she loved him and pour her heart out to him. All those emotions she was fighting hard to hold back, now she could let them go freely..considering they knew their limits. She acted like a perfect teenager (which she really was, remember 19!!) trying not to smile unnecessarily in front of dadi and keeping herself in check whenever Maan called dadi on phone. And when they finally returned to the mansion, the initial bravado faded and now Geet was scared as hell-in an insanely pleasant way, ofcourse-to meet Maan in person. While her stupid mind, screamed out to run into his arms straight-away her rational brain which was still working by some miracle told her to think through. She kissed the lotus once again imagining it to be his lips and blushed digging her face on her pillow. Dadi called out for dinner and Geet went all the way hoping that she would see him along with others and avoid the initial awkwardness. But Maan had already had his dinner on a business meeting and was in the study. There goes her last hope of seeing him with a minimal risk.

Maan on the other hand, managed to keep his cool in front of Geet when she informed him that she was leaving but he had already started missing her. This distracted him from the obvious first business deal. All he could remember was the way she said "aye lo..itni si baat aur MAAN SINGH KHURANA nervous"

He really carried that attitude to the conference and that marked the beginning of the ruthless "Maan Singh Khurana". The deal was indeed done on his terms and it already took Khurana Industries up in the stock market. But Maan couldn't rejoice his small success without her around. He couldn't wait the weekend to get over and to see her. He decided that he won't be staying at home during the weekend and arranged some client meetings. When he came back he looked for her the first thing, but Nakul informed that Geet baby was resting after the journey and she didn't want anyone to disturb her. Geet indeed said that only to be able to dream about the love of her life without any hindrance but Maan was devastated.

Maan(self-thot) : waah! Geet baby is resting! Great Maan! You can't even impress your girl and here all you can do is think about her while she is probably sleeping!! You are such a boring person that she is least bothered, congrats!!!

He decided to drown in his work and try not to think about Geet and the way her silky skin would feel against his..enough Maan now concentrate on the design!!

Around 1:30 am Maan came to his bed-room when he saw something or someone moving in his balcony. He tip-toed and opened the door without making any noise. He looked for somebody all around the corner but no one was there. Thats when he saw a petite form moving just behind his couch. He charged upon the intruder who expertly jumped on the couch and then to the love seat in the corner. But Maan was quick enough and grabbed the little one by waist. Only he lost his balance and fell on the bed. He was aware that whoever the opponent was, he was not as strong or well-built as him and so he rolled over and switched on the bed-side lamp.

A thick layer of golden brown hair covered "her" face and involuntarily his manners softened. His hands traced the locks gently away from the face and his eyes twinkled with joy when he confirmed his realisation aloud, "Geet!!"

Suddenly the atmosphere of the room changed though it was tension but this was some other kind of tension which made mind and body overwhelmed with the newly found emotions. The next words that came out from his mouth surprised Maan him self, "tum mujse mile bina kyu jane wali thi?"

Geet was in no state to reply to his questions. She scanned him up and down in order to make him aware of their precarious position with him still on top of her. His eyes followed her gaze and he knew what she was thinking. Their eyes met and they pondered deep into each other's mind guessing what must be going on it. The physical attraction that they felt for each other was new and quite surprising to both of them but the fire that illuminated their spirits had to be tamed as they had not yet confessed their feelings for each other. Maan lifted his body and sat upright on the bed. Geet followed him. They were still trying to come to terms with these strange desires in their body which were never before so strong in each other's company but this was the first time they were in such close proximity and in such a private setting. Both of them waited for the other to start and finally Maan decided to break the ice. He inhaled and then exhaled deeply and stared at Geet clearly indicating that she was the one to reply. But Geet couldn't reply. All these days she was debating whether to enter this forbidden room at this hour or not but then what? Entering the room for her was equivalent to entering his life, but what after that?? She never thought of it and she couldn't even do that now. Her brain was blank like a student who had well rehearsed his act but was unable to play in front of the audience. Geet had well rehearsed what she had to say a number of times but now in front of him words failed. Let alone words, she could not even look into his eyes after all that happened just before.

Maan : what? You won't answer me now?

Geet looked at him puzzled, "I think I should be the one demanding an answer!"

It was Maan's turn to be surprised now!

Maan : why so?

Geet: because you are the one who wanted me to come into your room. So here I am!

It was then, at that moment, the realization hit him that she was actually inside his room as he had asked her. Does that mean a yes?? How could he ask her that?

His face was now relaxed and he took her right palm in his.

Maan : you are here!!

Geet : yes! I'm here!

Maan : So you have decided, huh?

Geet : yes I decided to cross that barrier which I was afraid to cross 2 days back and I decided to trust you!

Maan : then I promise that I will never ever break your trust!

As simple as that nothing much was said for even at such younger age they knew very well that they were bounded together for the rest of their life with that single statement of commitment. As if to affirm that Maan kissed on the palm of her that he was holding. A simple kiss and she knew she was his forever.

It was a moment and then it passed as they declared themselves. Moments later they resumed playing around.

Geet : so why did you want me in your room??

Maan smirked and pulled her closer. She fell on his muscular form and held his hand around her waist. She blushed and hid her face in his bosom. In the warmth, she knew she had found her world and she clung to it. Maan traced his fingers along her rib line and felt her shiver involuntarily. He was aware of the effect that he had on her and decided to tease her senses.

He made her lie on the bed and devoured her beautiful form with his eyes from head to toe. She blushed crimson but her body language showed submission as she accepted his right to claim her. This, Maan didn't except. He thought she would be scared or she would panic and object but when she lied there her eyes closed and waiting for his touch he knew that the depth of her heart was even more than that he had anticipated.

He lied next to her and caressed her soft cheeks and asked, "Geet..you are not scared?" She opened her eyes and looked at him, "why should I be?"

Maan : are you not aware of what dadi and others around us would say if you gave in to me tonight?

Geet : no

Maan : no, you are not aware of? Or no, you are not scared?

His hands moved and traced the line of her neck and shoulder to her arm.

Geet : no, I am not scared of anyone.. I can take on the world if I need, to fulfill any of your wish because..(in an almost whisper but audible to Maan) I love you...

Maan smiled and said aloud, "Mishty...I love you too... and I know that even if you wont object to my wish tonight what you really want is to be mine with the blessings of our kins and especially the one woman whom destiny chose to bring you to me!! My..no our dadi!"

Geet looked at him with more respect than she ever had for him. He leaned on her and kissed her forehead and her cheeks one by one.

Again one intense moment was followed by a playful one.

He left her and got up. He opened his cupboard and took a brown bag, the typical guy accessories bag.

Geet sat on the bed , her head resting on the head of the bed. Maan came back and placed the box in between them. Now she noticed that he had a thin book on his other hand. He indicated her to open the bag and put the book in front of them. It was then she noticed that the book was actually a photoalbum with a black spiral cover. And when she opened the bag, she found a Canon DSLR . She looked at Maan and found that he was already excited to see it. Well Geet loved gadgets and cameras ofcourse. But when Maan gave her th bag she hoped for some present but guys are guys after all.. She tried to hide her minute disappointment and joined the fun.

Maan : you like it? I bought it before I came here. Don't tell dadi. She would say why would you waste your money when you could hire a pro. But the thing is I like photography..and its not like I'm goin into the wild life and getting their pulse..not at all I like to film the little joys of life..every little moments of life like, in a falsh of seconds he took the camera and clicked a picture of her, that bored and baffled look of yours..(smirking) priceless!!

Geet looked at him her jaw dropped and he clicked a few more. She took a pillow and threw it at him. Maan kept his camera safely aside and then the pillow battle began. As they settled, Maan showed her the album. It was an account of his experience in the US for the past 5 years. Initially there were pictures of the huge buildings in Manhattan and NY, his huge campus but later when he knew the city his pictures explored more. There were people, his friends, faculty and exes(whom he swore a 100 times were only namesake and nothing more) and then other normal people whom he met daily. The coffee shop lady with her daughter, the taxi driver and his grin, the gardener's son..the stranger walking groups in the park and thus went the list. It was a brief visual account of his life in the past five years. They were so engrossed in watching the pictures that if felt natural when Geet leaned on his shoulder and he wrapped up his arms around and fell asleep together.

PRESENT :

Labon ke choone se
Khawaabon ke kone se
Bachke sabse lab se
Lab ye rag se rag gaya

Aye...
Lahu muh lag gaya
Aye...
Lahu muh lag gaya
Aye...
Lahu muh lag gaya

Soya tha nas nas mein
Ab ye jag gaya

Aye...
Lahu muh lag gaya

Ami seemed to enjoy the song oblivious to the feelings it created in her parents' mind. Maan volunteered to change the channel but Ami wanted to watch the new song. After all it was her favorite actress Deepika on-screen. On her side sat Maan, literally like a man who had tasted fire on his lips. He looked scared (which was ofcourse a rare occasion) in front of the the lioness who was ready to pounce on him any moment. She glared at him dangerously while feeding Ami. Earlier Geet ran away from his hold after the kiss. She was angry at herself that she yielded in front of his passion. She had made it sure that she would not again surrender herself in front of this man whose ways were now strange to her. Why was it that she could not remember that this person only has the body of the man whom she loved but he was a different one than her man? Her Maan, would never hurt her the way this Maan did. This was a stranger and she would never ever let herself yield to him. She made a mental note to herself that even if there would be the hardest test of self-control she would never ever repeat this mistake' of losing herself. She hated Maan for making her do so. But when Ami insisted that she needed to see her dad in order to have dinner Geet could nothing. She was not that weak. The mere sight of this man wont induce any feelings in her. She was immune to him!! She reminded herself when he sat there with Ami and stared at her with what seemed to be an apprehensive look. Ami had dinner and then Geet put her to sleep. It was again them, alone.

Maan sat near Ami while Geet gave one glance at them and then left to the balcony. There was a cool breeze that fell on her hair. She adjusted the curly locks that brazed her cheeks and enjoyed the breeze. For a few minutes all her worries could go away and she just closed her eyes feeling the breeze. She could feel someone approaching her and she knew who it was.

"Wanna join for dinner?", asked Maan his tone careful and guarded as if checking her mood.

She turned, around, "you left Ami? God! Why did I leave her alone with you?"

Maan : Lisa is with her. I just came to ask you for dinner!

She raised a brow and questioned him.

Maan : what? Just a dinner!

Geet : do you think acting like a teenager would melt me anyway??

Maan : well..you melted a few minutes ago...

Geet : DON'T!! lets not talk about that!! And don't you dare repeat that!! That was just a passing moment..and you took advantage of it!!

Maan (pleasantly delighted but showing mock sadness) : ouch!! That hurts you know!!

Geet : good!

Maan : so now you are afraid of going for a dinner with me?

Geet : afraid?? Oh, please!! I'm least affected by you

Maan smirked reminding her about "his" effect on "her" a few hours back.

Geet : what? Unless you try to take advantage of me!!

Maan : explain that please!!!

Geet : ok, if that's what you want. Don't touch me unless I ask you..

Maan : ohh.. so you are gonna ask me?

Geet : in your dreams!

Maan : you do more than that in my dreams, Geet..

Geet : Maannn...

Maan : ok! Ok! I got it... no touching just a dinner...

And he let her walk in front like a gentleman.

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PRECAP : Love vs Hate continues... 😳

Pleaseee its a humble request to post longgg comments. It really motivates me a lottt 😊