Geet walked aimlessly not aware of the place or time. She went blank. There were no memories dancing or taunting her. The innocence in her was dying and instead developed a strained heart filled with so much pain that she could not hold on to herself. She sat there right in the middle of the highway inside the broad divider which was made into a garden. The screeching vehicles and the heat made Ami wail uncomfortably. Even in that condition, her motherly instincts worked. She woke up from her riverie and looked around. She remebered that she left the house in the morning and now it was noon. So many hours passed and she didn't know what she did all the time or how she ended up literally in the middle of the road. She looked Ami who was wailing loudly due to the unbearable heat and hunger. She didn't have anything with her when she noticed that 100 rupee. At first she thought of getting an auto and going to Pammy. But she stopped as she was not able to face anyone after that incident at the mansion. Her self-respect was brutally assaulted and she coldn't make herself go back to anyone involved with that incident. She thought of Hoshiarpur but she smirked for she had no one there as well. And then it surged into her heart, she actually had no one in her life. Didn't she pray for true love since her childhood? Didn't she ask if Maan was that one person before confessing to God. And every time the flower blossomed and she believed like a lunatic. Was it all just a myth? Her heart still couldn't take that. How could all that be myth? Her dad won't lie to her ever. And still she stood there all alone. But she was not alone. She had an angel in her arms. Amidst all that uneasiness Ami smiled looking at Geet and she knew that nothing was wrong. Even when her fate cruelly took everything away it still gave her one hope to which she could hold on. She was wanted by somebody. And then she was determined to look after Amy as her mother. She knew that one day, Ami would come to know the truth and even she would discard her but did that even matter? Geet was resolved to give all the love in her heart to this little soul. She knew that one day they had to part their ways and she could not expect anything in return but she would protect and guard this child as long as she was required in her life. That was the driving force for her further journey. She wandered in the streets, rested near India Gate, slept on railway waiting room and platforms. She knew that she had to get some kind of job so that she could make some money and start her life from the scratch. But she had neither certificates nor the money to pursue the job that was offered to order in her campus placement program. Finally she started looking for some small jobs in the malls. But she was starving for seven straight days. Her only food was the tap water and some odd fruits which fell on the roadside from the trees. She spent the money she had only to feed Ami and that too a packet of milk per day. The child was uncomfortable but surprisingly not very demanding. But eventually her body gave away and she fainted in a mall and was surrounded by people who were only discussing with each other.
Arjun had to catch an evening flight to Kolkata. He had come to the mall as a friend had offered him an interesting piece of article on land mafia against a central minister. He was hurriedly getting out of the mall after the meeting when he saw an unfamiliar crowd. He decided to help and got the shock of his life as he saw a pale and petite Geet unconscious lying on the floor and an innocent Ami poking her nose and cheeks as if to wake her up. Arjun screamed in surprise, "Geet!!! "
He tried to wake her up by sprinkling some water but she remained lifeless. The rest happened quickly. A batallion of JNU students rushed from nowhere. Some took charge of Geet in a strecther while Arjun followed them holding Ami. Two hours passed and Geet opened her eyes. She found herself in a hospital bed with a trip attached to her hand. She tried to get up and a fear ran through her spine. "Ami!! Meri bachi kaha he?"
She turned to the direction where she heard Ami giggling and found her playing with Arjun who was facing towards the window. Geet actually couldn't recognize him in the beginning as he was totally changed than what she remembered of him. His branded clothes were replaced by a simple cotton kurta and pajama and he looked pretty much tanned and muscular than before. His eyes had a twinkle but she couldn't miss the dark circles beneath them. He looked stressed out yet happy. Geet's heart swelled with mixed emotions as she saw Arjun happily interacting with Ami. There were no doubts no questions, no raised eyebrows. Sometimes friends just accept you for whatever you are. They don't want any explanations or truth. Arjun now aware of Geet's gaze looked at her.
Geet tried to get up again but she just felt too weak. As Arjun's eyes met Geet all the good humour was lost. His stern gaze made her cringe as she was in no way able to handle any more accusation. Sensing her uneasiness Arjun's eyes softened and he came near Geet.
Arjun : accute weakness due to starvation and fatigue. Body dehydrate ho chuki he and.. well I don't remember the rest of the dialogues by doctor but in short tumhari body finally is reacting to your atyachar. So don't even think of getting up. Ok?
Geet nodded meekly.
Geet : Arjun...tum..
Arjun : O my God!!! Geet Khurana remembers my name! How lucky!
But Geet couldn't react to his pun. Her mind got stuck at the surname, Khurana. She looked away painfully.
Arjun : tumhe hurt nhi karna chahta tha Geet. But I thought we were friends!
Geet replied, "we are friends!! Atleast me to wahi sochti hu"
Arjun : tabhi 2 saal se ek baar call bhi nhi kiya
Geet recalled her conversation with Maan at the Vegas hotel. She never made an attempt to call Arjun because she knew Maan wont like it. She smirked. Well she ended up doing everything that would earn Maan's hatred. Arjun's voice broke her thoughts.
Arjun : tum Ms World banne ja rhi ho?
Ami looked at Geet and then started moving restlessly in Arjun's arms.
Geet confused, "Ms. World?"
Arjun: nhi to phir ye rigorous dieting kyu?
Geet couldn't help but smile. It felt nice as she was smiling after ages like that.
Geet : dieting...nice substitute for starving!!
Arjun winced. "Atleast itna sab kuch hone ke baad to call karti mujhe! Kya wait kr rhi thi? Apna nhi sochti, fine! Par iska kya? What if something happened to you and then what about her?"
Geet looked at him shocked. Arjun didn't ask a word about Ami or Geet. But he sounded genuinely worried for Ami. Her eyes filled up and at the same time Ami started wailing to go to her mumma.
Arjun : aye lo dono mumma beti ek saath rone lage
Geet laughed and took her from him. Her hands were shaking but she was strong enough to hold Ami.
Geet : tum kuch puchoge nhi?
Arjun: puchunga but not now. You are coming with me. Yeha party guest house me rahenge and then..
Geet: wait a minute! Party guest house?
Arjun: what? I'm a Marxist!!
Geet : you are a what?
She can't help that grin looking at her old Arjun who was so timid and easy going now looking like a tough fighter. Arjun then revealed how he had a fall out from the Rathores when he found out that his father was earning by illegal ways. When he questioned them, his father ordered him to keep quiet as he too was benefiting from the same corrupt money. That was it for Arjun, he left everything back and went on his own. He joined a post-grad media course which was his ambition even during the graduation time. But the campus was a pretty much stirred-up place. He got in touch with hardcore communist thinkers, got to read War and Peace, Daskapital and lo he became one of them. It changed his outlook about the world. Geet was tongue-tied as Arjun told her that he was about to deny a high-profile Media Head asst, job in NY because he don't want to be a part of the capitalist society. Arjun brought Geet to the guest house. Ami was comfortable with Arjun as if they had some connection. Arjun never asked about Ami or questioned about Geet's present condition. He only made sure that they both are healthy and happy. Finally one day Geet wanted Arjun to go to Pammy's place and get her things. But she had to tell him everything before he met Pammy. Arjun didn't want to listen initially. Firstly he didn't want Geet to relive whatever she had went through. Secondly he wasn't sure if he could bear anything wrong that had happened to his dear friend. But Geet was determined. She convinced him that she had to vent out everything to someone so that she could feel light herself. Then she narrated how she met Mira, lied to Maan, and then tried to reveal the truth and Dev's rejection, NT's threat, her lying to the Khuranas, Maan's anger, marriage and finally Pari's outburst. She left the intimate conversations of Maan and the whole SR decoration episode as she would never bad-mouth Maan. But Arjun could see the pain in her eyes. He knew that her heart was cruelly crushed and more than that Geet would never say it out loud. He was ready to take on the Khuranas and even his sister for that matter, when he came to know the truth but Geet made him promise never to bring this topic to anyone. Arjun wanted to confront at least NT. But Geet didn't want any more trouble for Ami and Arjun for that matter. He said, "Uski galti nhi he! It's in her gene. She can't help it. My dad won't hesitate to crush anyone for his profit, same goes for my sister!"
Geet : But you are different,aren't you? How come the gene factor backfired on you Arjun? Tum itne ache kaise ban gaye?
Though Geet laughed as if what she said was a joke but deep down Arjun knew that she meant it. He could see the respect in her eyes for him. He could not ask for more. Arjun loved Geet. That was his past, his silent pain. But today she needed him as a friend. Arjun was ready to do anything for Geet like a true friend. He never expected anything more from her. Arjun felt that if he again thought of Geet as his love that would be an insult to their friendship. So he clearly kept his limits. He never interfered in Geet's personal decisions. He stayed with his friends when Geet lived with Ami in the guest house. Everything went fine until Geet declared that she wanted to take up the job in US that was re-offered to her after missing the first deadline of her campus placement. Apparently the first asst. editor of Pageant left the job as she could not take Ramona's cold attitude. They were desperately in need of a substitute and Geet was available. They raised the pay and perks so much that Geet couldn't refuse. She just needed to book the ticket as she already had her visa and work-permit. Arjun went to Pammy's place to get her things. Pammy was much relieved to find that Geet was safe. She told Arjun how Geet was humiliated and thrown out. Arjun couldn't say much as he had promised Geet to keep quiet about it. But when Geet said that she was going back to US Arjun was really mad.
Geet : I don't understand whats your problem! Kitni din me aur Ami tumhare upar burden bane
Arjun : Kya mene kabhi aise kuch kiya he jissey tumhe ye laga!
Geet : noo..par Arjun you have your own life. Tum usi din Kolkata jaane wale the. Ab dekho its been 3 months!! You are trapped in Delhi because of us!
Arjun : I am not trapped, ok? I chose this.
Geet : aur hua kya? The land scam was reported by some other journalist jabki saari mehnat tumhari thi!
Arjun smiled, "Geet, that was not for credit! I only wanted the truth to be revealed. Agar time pe wo news nhi ati to abhi tak wo land ki deal final hoti aur wo garib kisaan apna zameen kho dete! It's for a common goal.
Geet : whatever, but I don't like this. Living here doing nothing. Arjun I have a big responsibility. Ami ko kisi cheez ki kami nhi honi chahiye. For that I have to take that job. If not like a Khurana, lekin me usey wo sab dena chahti hu which would be my maximum! I need that job badly. Please understand!
Arjun : tumhe US jaane ki kya zarurat he? Tum akele kaise manage karogi?
Geet : kaise manage karogi matlab? I have lived there for 2 yrs!
Arjun : seriously, let's not talk about that! You are NOT going there all alone!
Geet : tum samajte kyu nhi Arjun? Me Delhi me nhi rehna chahti. I need to go away from here. Aur iske alawa US hi aisi jagah he jaha me used to hu and I have a job there for God's sake!
Arjun : I know aur mene kab kaha tum nhi jar hi ho? I only said you are not going all alone!
Geet looked at Arjun suspisciously. Arjun had a wide grin on his face.
Geet : You are not serious!
Arjun : un..huh? You are not the only one with a job in US!
Geet : but you don't want to live in a..what was that..haa capitalist society!!
Arjun : well yes, but I don't have a choice because of my crazy best friend!!
Geet's eyes filled up.She thought she had no one and here was a guy who was ready to throw away his life and principles just for her sake.
Arjun : oh puh..leeezz Geet! Don't give me that look! I'm not the mahaan friend who is doing this for you. This was my dream job before coming to Kolkata. But then, I thought I could live for my principles. I was already having second thoughts. What if after 10 yrs, I feel like I have missed my chance and then regret it the rest of my life. It's better to take a chance. And my job won't define what I am. I am always a communist from heart!
Geet : now give me the real reason dramebaaz!
Arjun : what! (he rolled his eyes as Geet wont gve up) ok fine! I left you guys and I lost Mira. You know how that makes me feel? I can't risk you now Geet! I can't let you go alone! I never really had anyone close to my heart all my life except you people. Dad and NT, you know them. Mom, well she could care less. She thought of me as an embarrassment as I didn't have the guts' to carry forward the name of Rathores. You and Mira are the only people in my life who love me without any expectations. And yes, now instead of Mira I have Ami.
Geet smiled understandingly. They were in the same path after all. Who else knew better than her how it felt when you are abandoned by your loved ones. On that day, she decided to make Arjun a part of her life. He was a good friend, and she knew it was more than friendship for him at one time. But he was there for her when she was about to break down. It was a companionship of two people who knew very well what the other went through. It wasn't love and it was not just friendship. It was a connection of two souls who could read each other's pain. They were not committed to each other in any way. They had no obligations or whatsoever. Yet they chose their path together. Arjun got back on his track by pursuing his dream-job once again much to the dismay of his communist comrades. He assured them of staying a Marxist from heart. He intended to promote Marxism through the media house that he was going to work with. It was this dynamic idea that made him successful over the years. His sincerity towards this ideology and the issues and awareness programs that he initiated made him the head of a top media firm in the US. He soon had proposals to be partner of various ventures and thus became one of the rarest breed, a socialist businessman!!
Geet made it clear that their lives will always be separate and he agreed with her. She learned to hide her pain and live for Ami who became her hope and joy. The little princess filled her life with new colours. Deep down she feared them to fade down one day, but for the time being she was happy with what she had until Maan came back and then once again pushed her to the next crossroad where she had to leave Ami back in India where she belonged.
Meanwhile Maan and Pari didn't talk for the next seven days after that incident. Maan spent most of his time in the office and gym. He was angry at something he didn't know what. Or he didn't want to acknowledge that he was angry at himself. His conscience made him guiltier every day. What he did to Geet! What he did to Pari!! Everything flashed in his mind. He tortured himself brutally on the seventh day. His hand was bleeding still he was going to hurt his hand by breaking another ice block. Dadi came to the gym with worry written all over his face.
Maan hit the block and the ice broke into pieces turning red as the blood mixed with the water of the melting ice. Dadima couldn't bear this anymore.
Dadi : Maan! Ye kya kr rhe he ap?
Maan continued to look for another move.
Dadi : is tarah apne apko chot pohuncha kar kya prove karna chahte he ap?
Maan : dadima please, mujhe meri haalat pe chhod dijiye!
Dadi : chhod du? Hum dadi he apke! Apki zindagi ko yu bikharte nhi dekh skte!
Maan smirked as he thought about his life. Did it have any meaning now?
Maan : ap kya chahti he?
Dadi : Maan zakhm ke upar au ghaav dalne se wo dhak nhi jaate. Ghaav bharne ne ke liye, marham lagani he. Warna wo jaan bhi le sakti he!
Maan knew what dadi meant. He can't immerse himself in this guilt all his life. He needed to get out of it. But what would he do? He felt the light in his life went off as Geet left his house. All these years he didn't even realize how everything in his life was entwined with Geet. From his morning coffee to his late-night work schedule. She was a part of everything. And now without her he felt empty, as if his existence didn't mean anything without her. And he hated her more for making him feel like this. The Maan Singh Khurana was helpless and miserable because of her! He hated her hold on him even after being away from his life. And then he remembered that he was married now. How could he forget that completely! There was another girl whom he had wronged without any fault of her, just because of Geet. He left the gym and came back to his room. Pari was not in his room. Maan took a bath and looked for her, she was still not there. He called for Nakul who informed him that Pari was staying in another room next to Annie's, since last seven days. Maan went to her room. Pari was sitting in front of her laptop. He knocked at her door. Pari thought it might be the servants and didn't even take her eyes from the laptop.
Maan : umm..Parineeta me..ye kehne aya tha..ki..
Pari was now looking at him puzzled.
Maan : I'm sorry! I shouldn't have dragged you into this. I admit that I wronged you by marrying you just to give someone else pain. I can't promise but I will definitely try to be a good husband if you would let me.
And then he went out of her room in the split of a second. Pari didn't know what to say. She knew that this was what she wanted to hear. She wanted Maan's care and love, if not love atleast his attention. But today that didn't make her happy.
Maan had promised Pari to give their relation a chance. But that was easier said than done. With each passing second he hated himself and everything around. It was true that he felt bad about what he had done to Pari but deep down his heart knew that something else was terribly wrong. His brain won't let him admit but his heart started venting out that frustration on everyone. He spent most of his time in the office because that was the only place where her presence was felt less even though, this office was the same place where SHE declared that they should get married. He concentrated on his work more than before. That kept him busy. He worked round the clock. Pari still didn't shift back to his room. The only privilege that she got as his wife was she was the only person who could talk to him for a stretch of 10 mins without losing his temper. That was mostly about dadi's health and his business trip locations. Dadi was tired of seeing Pari left all alone. She insisted Maan to take Pari with him. But after two trips she stopped that as it was the same situation with her all alone in an unknown place. Then dadi asked her to find a career for herself. Pari was not much of a career girl. She was all about fun and loud life. But slowly her bubble started to burst. She knew that Maan was so far away that she could never reach him. She was proved wrong. It was not just the physical presence of Geet that captivated Maan. Even if she was miles apart in some place unknown to them, Geet was very much present between them. Or Pari wondered if she was in between Maan and Geet. Actually she was never really in the picture. It was Geet who ruled Maan's life. She made him happy, she made him sad, she made him angry. It seemed to Pari that every motion that Maan had was only because of Geet. She couldn't voice it to anyone but herself. She had seen the love in his eyes for Geet, when he made love to her on their only night together. Tears rolled down her eyes as she slowly started coming out of her dream. She looked at Maan standing outside his study. He was a good husband. Ofcourse, he took notice of her needs. They had a joint account and he never questioned her. He informed her every time he was out of town. He brought gifts for her on their anniversary or her birthday. But even after two years, they stayed in different rooms. The gifts she got were business-like, like those compliments from the shops. Everything was so formal and she knew he did these things out of duty. But did she really wish for a life like this? May be if she waited for some more years, she would move to his room and then everyone would think that they were a happy couple. But did she want a life where she would pretend to be happy? Where was the love, the excitement, the passion? And looking at him drowned in his work she turned around realizing that this was all that they could share. She worshipped Maan at one time of her life. She could have got an autograph or even a photo together and that's the end of it. The love never existed! Not only because Maan never loved her back. Even she didn't feel the need to fight for him or win his love. Wouldn't she try that if she loved him?
After 2 years of marriage, Pari had found a career for herself. She was heading an event management firm and was happy with her life. With her working, she didn't meet Maan for months. They would see each other at the dining table or at the corridor now and then and exchange a hi-bye.
Pari was again thinking about where her life was leading sitting on a flight to Dubai. She was returning after a high-profile wedding in London. Her eyes fell on a magazine with the pictures of her and Maan together on the cover of a magazine. She took it and read the brief-note of the piece. The romantic couple Mr. and Mrs. Khurana spotted having a mini-honeymoon in Rome!! It was three months ago. Pari was there arranging a wedding for an Indian royal family bride with a Roman businessman, who was a descendant of some Knight. Maan happened to attend the wedding as the groom was his client. Both of them didn't know they were going for the same event. They met at the hotel lobby as they were staying in adjacent rooms. Maan had some business meetings after the wedding and Pari stayed back to visit different places. In the end they returned on the same date and the cameras flashed this pic. Now she knew how fake those flashy magazine pics were! Pari smirked and tossed the magazine which slipped and fell on the face of the guy sitting next to her dripping his drink a bit on his polo t-shirt. Pari's eyes popped out and she looked at the guy whose face was covered by the magazine which she threw away. Pari cursed her emergency economy class tickets that made passengers sit so close. She made a sorry face and looked at the guy as he took the magazine trying to figure out what happened. Luckily he was an Indian and he seemed to be amused by Pari's expression.
Pari : sorry sorry sorry... I really didn't see that you had a drink in your hand. I mean, I didn't do it intentionally in the first place!!
The guy smiled and said, "relaxxx..it's just a drink..cool! Matter over. In fact I should thank that spilt drink!
Pari (confused) : what?
Guy : yeah, or else how could I gain the attention of such a beautiful lady?
Pari : what??
Guy : hey I'm John, John Samuel!
Pari : I'm Parineeta.
And thus started the friendship of Pari and John. Pari felt good whenever she talked to John. She never thought of him otherwise. John stayed in touch with her as he was planning his sister Alice's surprise birthday bash. Pari entertained him as a thorough professional but John was charming and witty enough to bring a smile on her face which was long lost. John would schedule their meetings at lunch or breakfast times and so they always met at informal places.
John was a lead guitarist in a popular band. He aspired to become a music director. After a year, Pari had worked with John for five parties minimum. John had something or other coming up and Pari was made in-charge for everything. It was after the sixth party of the year, some success party of the top-chart musical concert, Pari made it clear to John that she can't be what he intended to because she was married.
Pari : John, I know where this is leading to. Honestly, you are a great guy and you deserve someone better than me. Someone who keeps you happy. Not me! And besides that whats the point? I'm married.
John : I know that. I pay you and I check my documents thorough!
Pari : and still?
John : Do you love me?
Pari was taken aback, "what??"
John : do you love me?
Pari : that is not important!
John : but I need to know! Answer me Pari!
Pari : John, I like spending time with you! It makes me happy, but love..I don't know! I have a family name to keep! I have a husband! I don't want any more complications.
And she walked out leaving a devastated John. As Pari walked away she didn't know that someone was hearing every word that they spoke. He felt a kind of empathy towards Pari. He knew that if he never messed up her life by marrying her she would have been happy with John. Maan came to pick up Pari as dadi asked him to do so. But he saw her walking opposite to the parking space and decided to go after her. Its then John overtook him and went near PAri. Maan always wanted to do something for Pari and now hearing all this he knew what he had to do. Maan went to John and introduced himself.
Maan : would you mind having a drink?
John : are you going to hit me after that?
Maan rolled his eyes and gestured him to follow him. And he told him all about Pari and his relation. How he married her, how he broke her dreams and made her life miserable. How they were living under the same roof as strangers.
John's respect and love for Pari only doubled when he heard that. She was turning down her love for a life that meant nothing to her!
John : hey Maan, I really wish to hurt you bad for what you did to that girl (Pari, ofcourse)but it takes a lot of nerve to sit there(pointing at Maan) and admit what you have done! And Pari, I will wait all my life for one yes from her!
Maan's heart felt pinched as he heard those words. Didn't he say, "Geet I can wait all my life to hear you.." and he never.. But his ego jumped ahead rebuking him for thinking like that. Geet Khura..Handa was a fraudster!! He gulped the drink and left the place for yet another night of torment.
It was a matter of time when Pari realized that her love was above every right or wrong and she had a right to live her life finally!! Maan was happy for her and gifted their divorce papers on their fourth anniversary. They just had to complete some legal formalities and it would all be over. Pari was to marry John and she had no such regrets about her past except for that one day when she threw Geet out of Maan's life. Now she knew, love was above all rationale. It didn't matter to her that she was married, she had resigned to live her life but John's true love broke all her walls and touched her heart. Now her heart trembled thinking about the wound that she gave to Geet. She wished to find Geet. That's when dadi got ill and Geet came back. Pari was happy that Maan finally set out to meet his Geet!!
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PRECAP : Maan pareshaan!! š³
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