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

This FF is dedicated to jasminerahul as it was she who motivated me with the

thread. The FF is once again inspired from the famous malayalam movie

"Neelathamara" . But it came out to be very different from the original

story coz i have made drastic changes to suit Maaneet.😳😳😳

The Divineflower is actually a blue lotus. It is believed that if one wishes

for something and the flower blossoms then the wish is granted and it will turn into

reality. More will be unfolded incourse of the story.

They say love is unconditional. But has anyone ever decided a limit for the unbounded love? Have you ever thought why the most unconditional love stories are at extremes? From Romeo to Mirza or Ranjha to Othello...Juliet to Sahiba...that is because in an extreme love everything is at the extreme. The joy, trust, belief, dreams know no limits and when a storm comes and shatters it the same extreme emotion of love backfires. The pain, anguish, anger, hatred every emotion becomes unfathomable. Thats when the love becomes divine...it blossoms like a

'Divine flower'

You wish for it and you can't turn back...As it buds in your mind it overpowers you and the scent intoxicates you taking you away from the rest of the world.

Index

Thread 1

PART 19 : page2

PART 20 : page 4

PART 21 : page14

PART 22 : page 26

PART 23 : page34

PART 24 : page 41

PART 25 : page 48

PART 26 : page 55

PART 27 : page 62

PART 28 : page 70

PART 35 : page 110

PART 36 : page 119

PART 37:page 120

PART 38 : page 131

PART 39 : page 141

Thread 3

Thnx for the wait. 😊

Before starting I am posting the part where I said I had hinted that Ami is not Geet's daughter.

Ami was playing with Lisa in a small house at Florida. Geet and Arjun were standing at the balcony watching them.

Arjun : it's the fifth year Geet!

Geet : hmm..

Arjun : Have you planned to tell Ami the truth!

Geet : I would but later someday. I don't know but definitely not now.

Arjun : Geet I really respect you aur jis tarah se tum rishtey nibhati ho me yakin ke sath keh sakta hu ki khun ke rishto se zyada dil ke rishtey hi sachey he. Aur ha Ami ka future jaisa tum chahogi waisa hi hoga. For the world, Ami is rightfully the daughter of Geet Khurana and Maan Singh Khurana.

Geet smiled, " thats so nice to hear. Lekin Maan.. he would never accept her!"

Arjun : tum ek baar Maan se baat karke dekho

Geet : kya faida! Waise bhi mujhe dekhte hi wo seengh dikha kar khule saand ki tarah aa jatey he. Aur agar bata bhi du to kya faida? Unki aur Pari ki bani banayi zindagi barbaad ho jayegi. Isliye yehi better he ki me aur Ami un sabki duniya se dur rahe!

Ami called them to play with her. They went down to join her.

PART 22

Geet opened her eyes at around 3 am. She remembered her romantic moments with Maan and gave an angelic smile. She turned her head slowly only to find Maan looking at her with unfathomable intensity. To her he looked like a statue of Helios (personification of Sun!). Oh, God with him around her teenage mind again started working overtime. The reality suddenly dawned upon her. She sat upright holding the sheet.

Geet : babaji...ye kya ho gaya?

Maan: kya hua Geet?

Geet now leaning over Maan : Ye ap puch rhe he? You cheated on Pari with me!! Hooh!!! (she kept both hands on her cheek and dropped the bedsheet making his eyes almost pop-out)

Maan wasted no time and took her in his arms crushing her feminine assets to his firm chest.

Maan: Geet, you don't have to worry. Pari and I are divorced now!

Geet(shocked) : what? Nhi! Ap jhut bol rhe he! Mera dil rakhne ke liye

Maan (he cupped her cheeks) : Mishty meri baat suno, I am telling you the truth ok? After you..the day after you left we never had a normal relationship. Things drifted umm... long story. Anywayz we got divorced lekin tabhi dadima ki tabiyat kharab ho gayi thi. So we decided not to break the news for the time being. And then I came here

Geet : You divorced her because of me?

Maan : .Noo.. It was not just you. She married the wrong person.

Geet : No, you married the wrong person..

Maan : because the girl whom I loved..na whom I love madly threw a big fat lie and made me mad!!

Geet : lie?

Maan : Cmon Geet, ab to bata do sach kya he... Ami kaun he Geet?

Geet(super-shocked) : how do you know??

Then her brain clicked and she blushed.. She had no other choice but to accept.

Maan chuckled and kissed on her exposed neck "who else will know hmm?"

Geet(moaned) : Maan...stop it...

Her tone aggrevated his passion and they had their share of morning dose.

Around 9:00 am, Maan woke up and found that Geet was nowhere near.

Maan : Mishtyyy.. late ho gaye.. tumne mujhe bulaya kyu nhi?

He wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the bathroom's door. No Geet. He went to the kitchen and found a cup of black coffee. He smiled and took it. It was a bit cold and Geet was nowhere around.

Maan : Geeet.. kaha ho tum???

He came to the living room and realised that Geet was nowhere in the house. Her clothes, purse, sandals were all missing which meant she had left already. A negative vibe hit his mind but he brushed it away. She was probably worried about Mia. He quickly got ready and left to the hospital.

Maan felt like he has got a new life. Suddenly everything seemed to be beautiful again. The roses which he hated a few days ago now seemed to be smiling at him. The birds were singing for him. His eyes now found beauty everywhere... He opened his wardrobe and found that crushed blue lotus which he had in his hand when he first saw Ami. He touched it gently and smiled.

Maan : Geet.. I know I have screwed up big.. but I will make up for it all my life to you and Mia. I know its not easy to win you back but I will try all my life! And this time I wont leave you whatever haapens. Tumhara vishwas he Geet jo itna sab kuch honey ke baad bhi hume alag nhi hone diya kismat ne. To iske agey me puri koshish karunga ki hum apney is khubasurat rishtey ko zindagi bhar nibhaye. I am coming for you Geet...

Maan rushed to the hospital and the sight that awaited tore apart his heart. Ami had been shifted to the ward a few moments ago. Geet was standing next to her with Arjun. Arjun was comforting Geet so that she wont breakdown in front of Ami.

Maan(self-thot) : Ami is back to room and Geet didn't even call me. And she informed Arjun!! Why would she do that? Kahi kal ki baat se.. but I made it clear that I wasn't cheating on Pari.

Whatever, this time he didn't want to assume anything and moved forward. Geet's cheeks turned red as she saw Maan and her eyes spat fire. Maan felt numb seeing that look in her eyes. It was hatred and he knew it. He knew her so well that he understood something terrible had occurred. Geet was about to say something to Maan when Arjun stopped her reminding her of Ami.

Maan came and stood next to Ami. She was delighted to see her super-friend. She spoke in a faint voice, "Super-friend, agar ap kal aa jatey to me yu nhi girti na?"

Though Ami meant that as a silly joke Maan could sense a deeper meaning.

Maan : I'm sorry princess. I had been terribly late... but now that I'm here I would make things work. And first among them is to make you walk again...

Ami : You will be here? Promise?

Maan : pakka promise. I wont leave you ever!!!

He kissed on her forehead affectionately.

Ami : I knew you would come to me.. super-dad!!!

It was not just Maan who looked stunned. Lisa, Arjun and Geet especially looked alarmed as they heard her calling Maan super-dad!!!

Geet : Ami bete ye ap..kya bol rhe ho..

Ami struggled to turn towards Geet. She quickly stood in her view and in that process stood right next to Maan. Involuntarily Maan let out a sigh which was audible only to Geet. She eyed him with disgust.

Ami distracted them,"mumma..mene papa ke room me ek baar dekha tha window se.. I saw his photo..

Geet (surprised and her eyes full of tears) : kab?

Ami : wo ap India se wapas ayi aur us room me chali gayi thi na.. tab!!

Geet now understood. That was only a few days before Maan came to NY when she stepped into the closed room.

Maan asked Ami, "to apne mujhe kyu nhi bataya??

Ami : mujhe laga ap gussa ho jaoge agar apko pata chal gaya to..

Geet scoffed when she heard Maan wince.

He knew that even though Ami's words were innocent she was speaking the truth and he felt too small in front of the child. He leaned towards her.

Maan : I will never ever let you down princess I promise!!

Before Geet could say anything the nurse came and sent them out for check-up. Arjun went out to get some medicines and Lisa went out for a coffee. Geet walked to the balcony at the far end of the hallway. Maan followed her suit.

Geet stood facing her back to him.

Geet : ap chahte kya he? Why are you making promises again... that you can't keep!!

Maan : why do you feel that way?

Geet : Because I know what you really are!!

Maan : and still you say this!!

She now turned to face him her eyes full of rage.

Geet : YES!! I say this because I know that you are a devil!! A devil who is bound to destroy me and everything that I LOVE!! You destroyed my life, my family then and now you destroyed me here and now you wnat to destroy my daughter!! But I wont let that happen.

Maan : God!! Geet whatever happened yesterday was our love!! Why are you taking that way??

Geet : Don't say that word "LOVE" from your mouth. It looks filthy from your mouth!

Maan : please Geet...I honestly don't understand..

Geet took her and showed it to him, "may be you know it now.."

Maan looked at the phone and saw the mms that was recorded when they kissed. He closed his eyes in pain.

Maan : Mishty you think I did this???

Geet : wow.. you act so well Maan Singh Khurana!! (she clapped her hands)

Maan : you think I would stoop so low?? It was our moment together Geet

Geet : I didn't! I never thought you would do this but you exceeded my expectations.. You killed my Maan.. Or I even doubt that you were ever the Maan I thought you were!!

Maan : please Geet don't let yet another misunderstanding ruin our lives!!

Geet : misunderstanding?? Its all cleared now. Coz now I know the truth and the bubble has been broken. Now I know that you are a selfish person who could never love anyone else but yourself!! I should have known earlier. After all you are a man who married for his ego and now getting divorced like she is some trash!!

She came near him and took his phone from his trouser's pocket.

Geet : This morning I was in a dream thinking that may be everything was going to be alright and then I heard this. I was going through the voice messages that Ami had sent for you but then came this which opened my eyes.

Geet pressed play.

"Hai MK, this is Rossa Vault. Thnx for everything. I got the cheque and I have quit the Paegent shoot just like you wanted. You really made my life by getting me into the big leagues fashion week. Good luck with your plan to teach that s**t "whoever she is" a lesson. "

The clip ended with a mean giggling by Rossa.

Maan stood their his face pale. He felt cold inside out. Ofcourse he had committed sins and now he had to pay for that.

Geet : Do you have an explanation to this?? You wanted to prove that I am a s**t, didn't you???

Maan shut his eyes tight not able to bear the pain.

She flashed her phone in front of him and said, "well congrats Mr. Khurana you just did. This video already recieved more than 1,00,000 hits!!"

Maan : Geet sach me I don't know anything about this video. And I admit I was resposible for the Rossa incident . But that was before...we cleared our misunderstandings... I..I was mad with hatred then..

Geet : It doesn't matter Maan.. whether you did the video scam, or the photoshoot one.. what hurts me is that all these years you thought so low of me.. you thought I brought Ami to your house for money..I carried someone else's kid and blamed you!! You thought I'm THAT GIRL!!! Thats why you hated me!! And I thought you hated me because I lied...

Maan stood his head hung down.

Geet : You killed our love the moment you doubted me!!! It's over long ago...

Geet was about to walk away when Maan caught her hand.

Maan : Geet don't leave me... I can't live without you and Ami..

Geet : I don't care anymore..

Maan : No.. you do.. you can't..shut me out like that...

Geet : I can because I hate you...

Maan : Geet..

Geet : Just take your hands off me..

She struggled to leave. Just then they saw the nurse coming towards them and straightened themselves. The nurse smiled thinking that they were actually romancing.

Nurse : sorry to disturb you.. but the doctor wants to see you both.

Geet glared at Maan and walked back to the doctor's room. Maan followed her quietly. The doctor greeted them with a careful smile.

Geet : How is she?

Doc : oh, well she is doing fine. Brave kid..

Geet : Indeed..

Doc: but we have some..umm issues here.

Maan : what issues?? You said she is alright!

Doc : thats what I'm saying Mr.Khurana(the doc spelled the word with great hard work from the patient record sheet). We had a counselling just now for Amiya to avoid any post-traumatic shocks and the results are..I would say, quite unexpected. It seems your child is in a long-term depression which is very rare at this age.

Geet : do you think this has anything to do with single-parenting?? Because her teachers had also mentioned some things to me.

The doctor looked at her understandingly, "ah..there you go.. SO what did the teacher say?"

Geet : It's not just the teacher I have generally noticed in her behaviour. I didn't know that she was depressed or something..

Doc : Not just depression, she mostly feels lonely. If you could explain the behavioural aspects that concerned you may be I could help.

Geet : well she would lie, unnecessarily. Like if she gets low grades she would be honest about that but if she ate two chocolate she would say ate only one which seems pointless because I would scold her anyway if she ate even one before dinner.

The doctor chuckled and Maan smiled but his face still worried.

Geet : And she is very imaginative which is..umm sometimes I feel unusual for her age

Doc : It's good that she has an observant mother, isn't it?

Maan : yeah, she is lucky to have her as mother.

The doctor now looked at both of them and declared his verdict, " Well this is not such a big deal as she is too young and since I can see you two get well along (pointing to Maan and Geet). But since now she is injured, we need to take immediate measures otherwise her recovery will take too long and there are chances that she may be crippled for the rest of her life!

Maaneet : NO!!

Doctor : Don't worry. She needs a family, a perfect loving family. You give her that and she will be a normal child like anyone else.

Geet sighed but Maan seemed enthusiastic and determined.

Maan : She will have the perfect family!

Doctor : great we are done then..

When they came out of the doctors,

Geet : don't think that you will get anywhere near Amiya..

Maan : oh I will. She is Amiya Maan Singh Khurana, remember? I'm already there..

Geet winced. She stomped away leaving behind a smirking Maan.

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No precap 😳

plsss do post your feedbacks :)

The elevator door opened and they got out. Lisa came running to know the details from Geet but she stopped in her tracks as she saw Maan. Maan on the other hand stood stunned... and finally whispered, " Mia?"

Maan could feel the Earth spinning around him. The whole world seemed to drift away and the only face that came to his mind was Mia.. the little happy cute divine princess his angel, Mia who seemed to be the only good thing happened in his life at present. It occurred to him that Mia was Geet's Ami, Amiya Maan Singh Khurana! Thats it! That was the connection that brought him closer to her. The upbringing of Geet made her similar to Geet. Thats why he felt so connected to her because it was all about Geet! Further truths became clear to him. All the time when the kid was longing for her super dad it was him! Whether she was born to him or not, now he wished that what he thought was the biggest lie should be the truth! Oh he would scream to the entire world that he is Mia's father!! He wanted to be her super-dad!!

A shriek from Lisa brought him back to reality,

Lisa : You! Why did you come now? Why are you here now? You want my kid dead or what?

Geet : Lisa what are you talking about? This is Maan!

Lisa was bewildered and fresh tears rolled down her eyes, "Jesus Christ! It's my fault!! I let this man into Mia's life once again and he disappointed her once again!!"

Geet : what?? I didn't understand.

Lisa : He is her SUPERFRIEND!!! Geet I didn't know!! I'm sorry..

Geet (surprised yet sad) : You don't have to be.. It's not his fault even then.. she would have fallen...

Pinky who had gone to buy some spare clothes for Lisa came back by then and heard Lisa.

Lisa stood there crying and shooting angry glances at Maan.

Pinky : Geet wo.. Ami upset thi lekin she rushed down the stairs when she heard the doorbell. She thought it would be superfriend!!!

Maan closed his eyes in pain.

Lisa : Why are you sad now? why do you make promises that you can't keep? Mia waited for you in the park the whole day. She didn't eat anything. She tried to call you but didn't get you!!

Maan : I am really truly sorry.. I completely forgot..I had..my own issues

He kept his hands on his forehead not able to take the stress.

Lisa : yes everybody is busy and the child has to suffer. You proved that you can never be there for her.

Geet : Stop blaming him Lisa! It's not his fault that we expect things from him. He is only human! Not superman and the main thing is he is here now!!!

Lisa : YOU are defending HIM!! Geet..

Geet : please Lisa I have had enough for the day.. I don't want more..

Maan held her supporting her body on his. Lisa looked at him warily but he avoided her and let Geet rest on the couch with her head on his shoulder.

Lisa(self-talk) : thats why they say never interfere in a couple's life! But I won't let him ruin Mia anymore.

The doctors informed that the surgery will be started in the next three hours and will take the whole night. So they can allow only one person in case of emergency.

Maan and Geet kept on arguing as both of them wanted to stay.

Geet : ap samaj nhi rhe ho..wo apko janti bhi nhi aur kuch zarurat ho to ap kya karogey? Mera hona zaruri he

Maan : I know you know her better but Geet you are too weak right now and you will panic I have seen that earlier. It's better if I stayed...

Geet: She is MY daughter so I get to stay!!

Maan : You only say to the whole world that she is MY daughter. Take that for now..

Geet looked at him baffled. Did he just accept Amiya?

Lisa walked upto them, "Ok guys, I think you should both go home and I will stay here.

Maaneet : what?? (sorry abt the color coding 😆)

Lisa(sighed) : Listen, this is my job to take care of the child!! I had never failed except today(staring at Maan). If I leave this place I will go mad. And besides that, logically Geet you need to rest hon and I won't allow this man to be in-charge here. I know every medical detail of Mia like how many stitches she had on her knee elbow..how many types of allergies she have or like what was the last time when she had a flu. So I am the qualified one to stay here

Geet knew that Lisa was right and she had no point to argue.

Geet : but I want to see her once!!

Fresh tears rolled out of her eyes once again.

Maan : I'll take care of that

Maan talked to the doctors and made arrangement.

The nurse, "She is sleeping, due to the pain-killers. So you can just watch her from a distance. Here wear this mask"

Both Maan and Geet went inside the room and saw Mia/Ami sleeping . Her face still looked angelic except for the bandage on her forehead. They had some special kind of bandage so that she won't be able to move below the hip. Maan wanted her to wake up and call her superfriend or even..superdad!!

Geet couldn't bear the sight of her Ami like this and she broke down.

Geet : Oh God.. mera bacha..kitna dukh rha hoga usey...

She was about to fall on her knees when Maan held her.

Maan : Geet you have to be strong now..

Geet : I can't.. I have been strong enough all these years but I have failed today...if something happens to her I have nobody ... I'm all alone Maan.. Why do I hurt everyone who loves me

Maan : It's not your fault Geet.. It was me..

Geet : It was never you.. It had been me all the time. I let her get attached to you.. That's all my fault.. I should have known..

She buried her face on his chest telling him how wrong she was to let him into Ami's world once again...how she failed to take care of her as a mother..how she felt seeing Ami in pain.. How she wanted all that pain for herself rather than seeing Ami go through this..

They came out of the ICCU but Geet was still crying out her worries her head still resting on his chest.

Maan : Calm down Geet, it was an accident! Accidents happen and you can't control them. She will be fine..hmm.. she is a strong girl and you are a great mother...

Geet : I am? I don't know...

And then she hugged him tight trying to kill all her insecurities. Being in his arms felt so safe..

Lisa came to Maan.

Maan : we are leaving . I think it was too much for her. You wil be fine??

Lisa(looking at Geet lovingly) : yes I am but You BETTER take good care of HER..

Maan : I will guard her with my life

Lisa : you better(whispered) take her to your place ok. Going back home, she will be reminded of Ami again..

Maan : ok. I will take her to my place.

And they left in Maan's car They reached Maan's penthouse. Geet didn't realise where they were until she reached inside.

Geet : where are we ???

Maan : at my house

Geet :but why?

Maan : tumhe koi problem?

Geet : umm.. nhi nhi..I mean I didn't expect us to be here..

Maan showed her the way to bedroom. She sat on the bed and looked around. The room definitely had an aura of Maan Singh Khurana thought she.

Maan : You would like to have something?

Geet : uh.. no well I want some water

Maan gave her a glass of water. The whole situation felt awkward to both of them. After a long time they were all alone in a house. It was already an emotional day for both of them and now this felt really odd. Maan stood near her waiting for her to drink the water. They remained silent for sometime. Maan was about to leave when she held his hand.

Maan stopped and looked at her shocked.

Geet : I need you today Maan..itni raatein mene akeli guzar li.. Aj bas ek raat I want to be with you Maan.

Their hearts thumped loudly in the silence. Maan sat near her and looked into her eyes as if asking her permission.

Geet : This is wrong.. You are married..and we should not be together..

Maan (smirked) : my marriage? It doesn't really mean anything Geet

Geet : but it changes a lot, doesn't it?

Maan : aj ke liye dimmag ko chhodo aur dil ki suno..

She came closer to Maan.

Geet : sach me?

Maan : Trust me

Geet (smirked) : I always did..

Maan : Geet..I missed you so much..

He brought her palm close to his lips and placed a soft kiss looking into her eyes. Geet looked away.

Geet : Maaa..n.. don't

Maan held her chin and made her look directly into his eyes.

Maan : itne din mujhe mana kiya..aj to mat karo

His look was so earnest. She felt weak at her knees.

"I..I need to change," she mumbled and went away near the window.

Maan smiled and went near her. He put his hand around her slender waist. Geet held her breath.

Maan whispered in her ears, "I can help you...if you want me to.."

He nuzzled on her nape as she caressed his left cheek gently. A drop of tear escaped her eyes as her mind was full of various emotions.

Maan : don't worry love, my Mia is a brave girl. She is going to be fine soon..

Geet turned and put her hands around his shoulder.

Geet : My Mia??

Maan : ofcourse if you allow so..

Geet : Why are you doing this? You have gone far away from us

Geet slowly started unbuttoning his shirt.

Maan : I am trying to comeback

Maan helped her by taking it off his shoulders.

Geet : I used to dream of our life together..

He unhooked her dress.

Maan : you didn't have to ruin it then...

She searched for his belt and did away with it.

Geet : God!! Why did you hate me? If only I know that I can explain..

Maan : I can't say that out loud.. but you know..

Geet : I thought you hated Ami because she is.. not our baby but you are ready to accept her now all of a sudden?(smiling naughtily) Is this a trick to get me on your bed?

Maan(smirked) : I have got other tricks to get you on my bed

Geet : which is?

He just tugged her dress and it all dropped on the floor leaving her completely exposed in front of him except for her lingerie.

She blushed and hugged him. Maan lifted her with her legs around his waist and took her to bed. He dropped her on the bed gently and get rid of his trousers. He mounted on her top and placed gentle wet kisses on her body from head to toe. She moaned when he sucked her toe with intense passion.

He loved her tenderly and broke the barriers of the little clothing between them. This was the first ever time he saw her in her feminine glory and he started devouring her with wild passion.

But just a moment before he entered her, as she whimpered in pain he knew that it was him deflowering her. Wait a minute, Geet was a virgin!!!! All these time when he blamed her of cheating on him she was a virgin!! And he doubted her..His mind raged in passion and his brain screamed out to him "GEET was HIS and ONLY HIS" His body claimed her with vigorous passion with this knowledge and she just let him unleash his never-ending love on her. They made love the whole night ignoring all the facts and hurdles that were present in front of them. This was the most imperfect moment but still it felt so right and perfect as their bodies took them to the heights of pleasure. They had been putting everything else in front of them for the past five years. Thats why they were never happy but tonight it was just Maan and Geet making love again and again and again. The rest of the world can wait.

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PRECAP : Reverse situation : Geet hates Maan 😲 😲

Hope that was not overdone 😳

waiting for your response

PAST :

Geet woke up in the morning with a euphoric mood. Her mind replayed Maan's words and she blushed.

Maan: kitna sochti ho tum! Ek kaam karo, take your time aur socho.. socho ki tum meri kya lagti ho.. socho ki tumhara mera rishta kya he..aur agar tumhe sahi lage to mere darwaze ke andar ana nhi to mat ana. me ek baar bhi nhi puchunga tumse.. lekin ha har raat me apna darwaaza tumhare liye khol ke rakhunga , apne kamre ka aurrr.. apne dil ka bhi..

Geet (self-talk) : kya sach me Maan me bhi mere liye wahi feel karte he jo me unke liye...is that possible? Aur agar ho bhi to..is it right? Maana dadima mujhe apni beti ki tarah pyar krti he lekin kya wo mujhe bahu ke roop me accept karegi?? Babaji ab me kya karu...kaash aise me koi hota jo mujhe raah dikha sakhe...

Just then she heard a knock on her door and dadi's voice, "Geet beta.."

She jumped up from her bed and ran to the door.

Dadi : Geet apki tabiyat to theek he na beta??

Geet : ji dadima kyu?

Dadi : wo humne kabhi apko itne der tak sotey nhi dekha..

Geet : wo.. raat ko theek se nhi soyi...

(A part of her knew that it was true in some way atleast )

Dadi : apna dhyan rakho bete... me to ye kehne ayi thi ki Vicky jab raat ko ayega to usko bole ki khana khake hi sona he. Ye ladka har din mujhe tension deta rehta he lekin ab jab apki neend hi puri nhi hui to me Nakul ko bol dungi.. Vicky thoda drama karega lekin me bhi Nakul achi patti padaungi..

Geet smiled, "ap kahi ja rhi he dadima?"

Dadi : ha beta. Maan ne abhi abhi business sambhala he.. to socha neelkamal ke madir ho au.

Geet knew in her mind that this was the answer that she was seeking for. She would kno if she went there. She always did. Dadi was about to leave the room when she called her,"dadima.."

Dadi : bolo beta..

Geet : me bhi chalu apke sath??

Dadi : Hoshiarpur?? Ap??

Geet : mera bhi mann he mandir aney ka..

Dadi : lekin beta ap Hoshiarpur wapas kaise jayengi?

Geet : ab dadima har din me apne ateet se chupto nhi sakti na aur phir mene kuch galt nhi kiya he phir me kyu daru. Aur apne hi to kaha tha ki us din ke baad.. Handa hweli ke log waha se hamesha ke liye chale gaye

Dadi : ha bete, lekin hume is baat ki fikar he kahi apko purani yaadein dard na de jaye

Geet : nhi dadima. Mujhe koi dard nhi he. Ab me Geet Handa nhi Geet Khurana jo hu..

Dadima smiled affectionately and kissed on her forehead. She hugged her.

Dadi : to ap jaldi se taiyar ho jaiye.. hume shaam se pehle pohunchna he..

Geet nodded and rushed to leave. When Geet came to the living all set with her baggage to leave, her breath caught on her throat. Maan was standing staring away, his face clearly tensed. She felt so nervous. He was definitely mad that she was leaving. For a moment she thought about running back to her room and quitting the trip but angry Gods seemed to be more dangerous than angry Maan, or were they? She seriously doubted that. Before she could think of anymore excuses Maan saw and was precisely surprised.

Maan : You came to see off dadi?

Geet : umm..nhi wo.. me.(self-thot) God he doesn't even know..

Maan : kya me.. tum?

Geet : I'm going with her!

She closed her eyes not having the courage to see his reaction and then she opened her left eye and then the right one by one. She saw him smirking faintly but he didn't say anything.

Geet : dekhiye, I am not running away..from anything, ok? I will be back in a couple of days. Its just for the weekends

Maan : I know that. And why do you think that I think you are running away??

Geet : you look..mad..at something..

Maan : mad, I am indeed about you but not on you..

Geet looked at him puzzled.

Maan : I mean I'm not angry that you are leaving. I told you I would wait. This is something else.

Geet : what is it?

Maan : I'm gonna sign my first deal tonight and I have the client meeting in two hours! If I pull this off, I am on a roll but I..(he looked at her intently)don't tell anyone..I am feeling nervous!!

Geet : aye lo..itni si baat aur MAAN SINGH KHURANA nervous!!

Maan : Geeet...

Before they could continue they saw dadi coming from a distance. Both of them turned away.

Dadi came smiling, " Geet bte ap ready ho?

Geet : ji dadima..

Dadi : aur Maan ap office nhi gaye abi tak?

Maan : wo..dadima I need your blessings

He touched her feet.

Dadi : my blessings are always with you Maan..

Maan left for office and Geet left with dadi to the temple. It was an extremely hot day. Geet was tired by the time they reached there. Thankfully the Sun was about to set yet the wind was hot and dust flew all over. Amidst all these and ignoring the fact that she was coming back to her homeland after so many years she felt peaceful when she saw the temple in front of her. She had a feeling that she would answers to all her problems here. When dadi and Geet stood at the bank of the pond nearby, they heard some ladies talking about the story of the "Blue Lotus" ,the Divine Flower. Geet knew that story. It was the story her dad had told her when she was very young. Even though she doesn't remember much of her family, that was the only vivid memory that she had of her childhood, those with her dad.

It was said that years back, a young girl who was devoted to Lord Vishnu like Meera lived in the village. Her job was to make garlands for the lord. One day instead of the usual flowers, she brought a garland of blue lotus. When enquired, she said that the Lord himself appeared in her dream and told her that he wanted the garland of blue flowers. The next day when she woke up she found the flowers in her verandah. So she made the garland according to the Lord's wish. But the priests didn't believe her and rejected the garland saying they were not sure if it was pure enough. They threw the garland into the pond and paid the girl for it. The girl was disappointed and she left the coins on the very step of the pond. Next day the priests of the temple were astonished to find as many blue lotuses blossomed in the pond as that were in the garland. They apologized to the girl and asked her to make the same garland once again. It was a reward for her innocent devotion and purity. From that day onwards it was believed that anyone making a wish will be fulfilled and rewarded with the flower if it is honest.

Both dadi and Geet stood there hearing the story.

Dadi :kitna ajeeb vishwaas he na Geet, lekin aj bhi hum isey maante aa rhe he. Do you believe such miracles can happen for real?

Geet : yes!

Dadi (surprised) : really?

Geet : when I was forced to get married a few years back, I thought my life was over. But then a miracle came in front of me, thats you dadima..

Dadi : ohhoo Geet ap bhi na.. that was your destiny beta.. anyone else would have stood for you if not me.

Geet : I don't know. For me its you!!.

Dadi : ap bhi na beta, (she patted affectionately on her cheek) theek he. Agar ap itna believe karti he then make a wish.

Geet looked at dadi in surprise. She came here seeking an answer but she had no idea what to do. Now that dadi asked her, she felt like this was all meant to be. It all started from this temple. That day when she was still in the pain of losing her dad, the only person who loved her truly for what she was, she asked this same God to give her the love that was lacking in her life. All she wanted was the true love without any expectations. She got the flower and her fate changed. Now she realised that from the very first day it was her destiny leading to Maan. It was all about finding her true love. And today she came back a full circle to the very starting point. She took a coin and prayed, " I don't know what is right or wrong anymore and I don't care. I know that he is the one I'm destined to be with forever but thats not enough. I need to be in his life only if I deserve him, his life, his family and above all his family. I want him to be happy because now I know that I love him. All I am asking for is true love without any expectations"

She kept the coin at the sacred step and walked away with dadima.

PRESENT :

Geet and Maan now walked back to Ami's room, with Geet in angry mode and Maan "peeche-peeche" mode almost annoying her.

Geet finally turned around and asked in an irritating tone,"ap kya kar rhe ho?"

Maan(innocent) : me kya kar rha hu Geet? Me to bas chal rha hu

Geet(rolling her eyes) : ha lekin mere peeche peeche kyu..

Maan : arey tum to aivayi gussa ho rhi ho.. me tumhare peeche peeche nhi apni beti se milne jar ha hu..

Geet couldn't say anymore seeing Maan's innocent expression and walked away. Maan followed her again to Amy's room.

Amy was talking to Arjun who moved away relieved seeing Maan and Geet together. Maan sat near his daughter and started talking and talking to her. Geet couldn't do much but she made sure that Amy didn't strain much. They looked exactly like a happy couple in front of Amy even at times when Geet warned Maan about stressing Amy too much. Ramona assured Maan that she won't trouble him or Geet with the office as long as he wanted. Dadima was worried as she was informed about the video and called Maan. Maan refused to explain anything about it and they parted on a sour note. Two weeks passed and it was just a day remaining when the doctors would re-assess Amy's wound. She won't stand or even sit but now she can move in the bed freely almost normally which was definitely a positive sign. Arjun visited Amy almot everyday. He never interfered between Maan and Geet and never asked Geet anything about Maan. That day Arjun was about to leave the hospital when Maan stopped him.

Maan : Can we talk?

Arjun nodded and they walked silently in the park situated in the hospital premises.

Maan : I want to thank you, really for being there for her when I didn't

Arjun(smirks) : yes I was there..and you were not when she needed you the most

Maan : I know.. I can't make up for that but I have my whole life to try

Arjun :you think she will let you?

Maan : I know she will..because she just loves me too much

Arjun : I have to give you that..she does

Maan : Arjun, I know that you are the one who deserves her, more than me. You understand her beyond yourself which I was never able to..but..call me selfish or a moron but that's not enough to let her go..She is mine always..

Arjun: I know that. I would never have let her comeback to you if I had not seen the pain in her eyes and heart when she was away from you. You can't imagine how that girl loves and you are an idiot to let her go..

Maan (smiles) : I know..but I'm lucky enough to have her and this time I am here to fight till the end

Arjun : You better do Maan. And I am with you to help you in any way..

Maan : thanks..you know you are more good than I thought you really would be..

Arjun : being good isn't always enough, is it?

Maan : I can't say you should move on..I know your pain because I have lived it but atleast I knew she loved me!

Arjun: you think I didn't try to move on? I..I never met anyone that special yet..

Maan : May be you are just unaware of that special one who is made for you..

Arjun looked at Maan who was now staring and then he left.

Maan was staring at Geet's direction peacefully who was shooting angry glares at him. She marched towards him and stood in front of him her hands folded across her chest.

Geet : ap Arjun se kya baat kar rhe the?

Maan(smirk) : don't be jealous honey, it was a friendly chat and I'm not gay..(he winked)

Geet : I don't care if you are gay! What did you say to him? Did you warn him? You must have. You still doubt him and me, don't you??

Maan : partly true!

Geet : partly true? You warned him? Or you doubt us?

Maan : I doubt you not him!!!

Geet : you are incorrigible!!!

She turned around to leave when he pulled her by her wrist. She fell on him her back resting on his chest. His right hand moved around the soft skin of her slender waist protectively and her heart beats raised automatically as a reflex. And then he whispered in her eyes in the most seductive way humanly possible, "I doubt that you still love me" With his other hand he traced the pattern of her bodyline from her waist to her shoulder and then rested it around her nape holding her even closer. He continued, "I doubt that you love me even more now..and its just that you are aware of it and you wanna hide it. That's why this angry young woman mode. But Mishty, I know you inside out. How can I not see the blood rushing to your cheek everytime I touch you.(He caressed her cheek with his left hand and she closed her eyes in passion) how your lips tremble every time I set my eyes on them..I know you want me as much as I want you..(he placed soft kisses on her nape and she leaned away letting him more access."

By the time she came to her senses Maan was kissing around her shoulder passionately. She tried to move him but he was lost in her.

Geet : Maan..(that came out almost as a moan)

He was even more aggrevated and he made her turn towards him and kissed on her cheeks. Her words lost in mid-air and kissed all over face saving her lips for the last. And then he opened his eyes and looked into hers as if seeking her permission and nibbled on her lower lip. She opened her mouth inviting him and they kissed under the moonlight in the almost deserted park.

-------------------------------------

PRECAP : Geet angry about the kiss 😳

PRESENT

Maan pressed her closer his eyes now fierce, "ye tumhara dil to nhi bol rha Geet... me jaanta hu..tumhare dil me aj bhi bharosa he mere upar!! Tumhara gussa tumhe rokh rha he..lekin Geet is baar chahe tum jo bhi kaho me tumhe apne saath lekar jaunga!! Aur is baar zindagi bhar ka apna rishta nibhaunga tumse aur humari beti se...

Their eyes were locked. Her almond brown eyes trying to block him out ..so that he could never see the depth of her heart and his fierce black eyes were trying to move that veil..to see through her heart...her pain...

Geet : ap Ami ke barey me janna chahte he na...to sun lijiye Ami apki..

Exactly at that moment Geet's phone rang. She tightly shut her eyes and looked away. When she got out of the car she noticed a guy grinning at her, probably their entire struggle would have looked different to an outsider as the car was shaking awkwardly. Geet frowned and moved to the other side of the car and picked her phone.

Geet : yeah Lisa, I'm on my way..hello Lisa...

Lisa : Geet...Geet come fast...Ami Geet...

Geet : Lisa what happened? Is she crying I will be right...

Lisa : Geet just come here NOW..

Somewhere panic struck her hearing Lisa's voice. Lisa was a strong-headed person. She never panicked and Geet knew that very well. Maan came to her side.

Maan : u ok?

Geet : yes..we need to rush..

They both went towards the reception area of the hospital which looked crowded. The security guards were rushing in and out. Everyone stared at Maan and Geet when they moved inside. Maan held Geet protectively by her shoulders. Geet knew that something was up, something terrible and even though she hoped it was not what she felt but she saw that Lisa was standing exactly at the epicenter of the chaos . Geet went numb with the sight in front of her. Lisa held her forehead which was slightly bleeding refusing the nurses who were trying to dress her. Next to her was Amy's empty chair!! Geet felt cold inside, which was hundred times worse than the weather outside. Where is Amy???

The question lingered in her eyes and as they met Lisa, she pounced on her.

Lisa :ohhh... Geet.. my child...I came here and was fixing an appointmnet. Just one minute...Geet...Just for a minute, I was talking to the receptionist and suddenly someone just sprinted past me. I don't know how..the next thing I know they took Ami with them...I ran after them..they had guns! Jesus Christ...they aimed at me. I ducked and fell at the stairs. Before I could get up, they just ran away...I'm sorry...I failed you...my God... I just want my kid back...She can't even run herself..

Lisa broke into tears.

Geet and Maan stood their listening to all these shocked. Geet stood completely frozen.

Maan shouted at everyone, "What were the security guards doing? Letting a lady run alone for a child??"

Guard, " we tried to stop but they had the kid...they pointed guns at her..we have called the cops however.."

Maan closed his eyes in pain. He couldn't even imagine what Ami went through... His princess! Whom he vowed to guard! Once again he had failed her.. Before he could collect his thoughts, he saw that Geet just collapsed on the floor. He quickly lifted her in his arms and ran to the emergency room.

The doctors examined her. Maan waited outside with Lisa who had now dressed her wounds.

Maan : You be with her.. I will go around and..look for some clue..

Lisa nodded. Maan rushed outside. The cops were there already. The chief officer NYPD, Mr. Jack Warner walked towards him. He was a well-built man in his thirties. His face looked too innocent for a sergeant except the frown on his forehead.

He extended his hand forward, "Jack Warner, NYPD"

Maan : Maan Singh Khurana, I am Amiya's dad.

Jack : yeah, do you have any suspiscions?

Maan : well.. I really don't know.. We never had any idea someone would do this to Mia..to us!!

Jack : so you don't have any suspiscions..

Maan : no as of now...

Jack : where were you going?

Maan : I was just going outside...to look around, to find out something...

Jack: They won't be far away. We have alerted all the signals, and police stations the moment we got the call from the hospital

Maan : their security cameras would have something..

Jack : we are looking into that. Most of the visuals are blurred. They were covering their faces. Our tech team is working. Hope they will come up with something in an hour.. You don't need to leave now..

Maan was frustrated as the officer looked adamant for him not leaving the premises.

Maan : what do you want me to do officer? Wait here till I get any ransom calls? She is MY daughter!! And she can't even walk properly..

Jack : I know but..considering the fact that you only came to the child's life a few months ago and the way you were not with her when she was kidnapped...we have our reservations.. You may go..but one of the cops will accompany you

Maan snapped, "fine!!"

On his way, Maan contacted the embassy and made arrangements with Adi to bring down all their powerful contacts and get the FBI into the case. He asked people on streets, shops everyone he could about Amy showing her photograph. But no one saw her. He was going on around like a crazy person. He ran in the cold and knocked at random doors. He literally begged everyone to give him ay information if they saw the child and left his number. Finally the cop with him felt pity at his condition and talked to him.

Cop : I am really sorry for you Mr. And I hope no one would be at your place any day even though I get to see many of them couple of times. From what I have seen you should be back with your family, wife.. They need you..

Maan nodded and they turned back.

Meanwhile in the hospital, Geet gained her senses but was still under observation. The shock and trauma had taken a toll on her. Geet woke up mumbling Ami's name. She jolted and sat straight. Arjun held her hand and calmed her down.

Arjun : relax Geet...

Geet turned her face away.

Arjun : NYPD is doing the best. They won't be far away. Ami mil jayegi..kuch nhi hoga usey...

Geet's eyes were filled with tears, "wo..wo kaha he?"

Arjun : u mean..Maan?

Geet nodded.

Arjun's face became restless. He had been thinking all the time and the conclusions that he had reached were not so fine.

Arjun : Maan went out..NYPD agent tried to stop him..he didn't stop..

Geet : He won't.. I know..

Arjun didn't know how to put this. But Geet had a right to know.

Arjun : Listen, Geet.. I don't know how you will take this..but Maan.. I mean he is a good person. Even his intentions are good and he would never harm Ami. But he planned Adi's wedding to take you to India. But that failed as you are not coming with us. I was just thinking, either way..even if he knows everything.. or not...he is the only person around us who would gain with Ami's custody! If he knows the truth, then he willl just take Ami and if he doesn't then may be he could use this chance to get you back to India..

Geet looked at Arjun her eyes spitting fire. She got up from her bed and turned around like even his presence was intolerable to her. She said in firm tone, "Arjun, agar mujhe koi kehta ki Ami ke kidnapping ke peeche tum ho to bhi me ek baar sochti lekin Maan...Maan aisa kabhi nhi karenge..samjhe tum?"

She walked out only to face Maan standing there right at the entrance of the room. Their eyes met. His eyes were full of pain. They could have taken it if she doubted him, but her trust was overwhelming. How thewhole world doubted him and she alone supported him. He knew he didn't deserve this. She looked away and walked ahead.

Arjun saw Maan, "I'm sorry Maan. I was just worried about Ami"

Maan, "I know"

Geet stood at the end of the empty corridor looking at the evening sky. The sun was about to set. Her heart cried out for her daughter. She didn't know what she could do? She lost everything and everyone for Ami..But she didn't have the courage to lose her...She fell on her knees. Tears rolled down her eyes. She let herself lose and broke down...Maan stood behind her and tried to make her stand again but she hugged him by waist and cried aloud, "meri bachi Maan...mujhe meri bachi chaiye...humari Ami ko wapas le ao Maan...plsss...mujhe aur kuch nhi chaiye...Maan...meri Ami...mujhe de do.." Maan hugged her and let his own tears fall. The pain of missing the little angel and seeing his Mishty breaking down was too much for him. He made her stand and cocooned her in his embrace.

Maan : I promise you Geet...me Ami ko kuch nhi hone dunga..wo humare paas wapas ayegi..bina ek kharoch ke..me leke aunga usey..

At 7:00pm, they recieved their first ransom call. They confirmed that Ami was with them and demanded the police to back out. Jack got the details from security cameras and found that one of the guys who took Ami with them was a man named Gavin, a notorious drug-dealer. Jack had been looking to get him for quite a while now and this was the chance to catch him red-handed. He wasn't ready to back out yet. An hour later they received the second call. The police were still with them. However the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 1 million US dollar which Maan was ready to pay. At 11:00 pm they called again and demanded that only Maan and Geet alone would come to get Ami. Trace of cops and they would finish Ami forever. Maan made every move that he could and asked the cops to leave them for the safety of his daughter. He made arrangements for the money within no-time and waited for the next call. Maan and Geet were to go to a street behind the Madison Avenue and leave there car at 2:00 AM. From there a cab was waiting for them without any driver and a phone was left on it. The voice on the phone asked them to drive straight. They moved away from the city and reached the sub-urbans in an hour. Maan stopped the car in a dark-alley as the street was too narrow to pass. A msg on the phone indicated that they had to walk down the street and knock at the door of a garage which would be the tenth building of the street. Maan put the money-bag on his shoulders and held Geet's hand protectively. They walked down the street. Jack Warner had followed them all the way. He knew that they would be brought to Gavin's dug-out and followed them closely without their knowledge. Maan knocked at the tenth building and it opened with a thud. Surprisingly it was another narrow and deserted pathway which ended on the rusted gate of an old abandoned dog-cemetery. The phone beeped and asked them to cross the cemetery. There was an old building at the other end which was covered by snow and damp. The pillars were covered by creepers and mosses grew on the floor. Maan and Geet entered the building, their heart thudding with each moment. A movement here and there and that's when Maan noticed that the building was guarded by masked men on all the four directions. They stepped into the building and waited patiently. A man dressed in a ragged black leather coat and a hat stepped forward. Another man wearing a holey sweat-shirt followed him and in his hand was the life of Maan and Geet. Ami looked timid but her eyes brightened as she saw super-dad and super-mom together.

Jack was standing ten feet away from the building and focused his binoculars. He clearly saw the leather coat man and mumbled, "Gavin, son of a b****!!"

Gavin called out, "Money?"

Maan showed the bag.

Gavin, "give the money and take the child"

Maan : no..first our child, then money

The man frowned impatiently. Gavin , "fine you(pointing at Maan) come with the money. Take the child and give the money at the same time..No tricks.."

Maan : ok.

Maan went with his bag and Gavin's assisstant came with Ami. The man was two-feet away from Maan.

Jack saw that Gavin's eyes met the binoculars that were fixed on his sharp-shooter point gun and he knew that he had been caught, trapped!! A moment of realisation and then three things happened simultaneously. Jack pulled the trigger, Gavin took his gun and fired at Ami and Maan left his bag and pounced on the man to snatch Ami.

Gavin was hit. Maan rolled over cocooning Ami in his tight embrace, Geet ran to them. Gavin's men started shooting at policemen who were hiding all over the place. Maan got up and wrapped both Ami and Geet with his hands and walked them out of the building amidst the blind firing.

They ran and reached near the cab. Geet carried Ami and Maan took the driver's seat. Ami was sobbing frightened by all the mess. Geet tried to sooth her. Ami kept on wailing as the engine revved and they were out of the place. Ami, "I thought you would never come..super-dad.."

Maan : how could..I not??

Geet noticed that Maan's seat was gradually getting wet and her eyes widened with the realisation, "blood!!"

Geet : Maaan.. you are shot!!

Maan : nhi..goli chuke gayi he. Its just bleeding

Geet : Maan apko chot lagi he. I will drive ap...

Maan : I'm fine Geet. Hume jald se jald yeha se nikalna he...me tum logo ko kuch nhi hone dunga..

Geet : janti hu, lekin mujhe to apki jaan ki fiqar krni padhegi na agar apko koi parwa nhi he to..me to apke bina...

Maan looked at her intently...

Mahiii...( sad version)

Geet : mera matlab he..me dadima ko kya jawab dungi..

Maan smiled weakly and drove quietly. They reached near their car. Maan took it and moved in a lightning speed. By the time they reached his leather jacket was dripping with blood. Geet was crying out loud while Ami fell asleep. Geet rushed out of the car and called for emergency help. Maan collapsed and they took him in the stretcher. Geet handed Ami to Lisa and ran with them. The nurse stopped her out of the examination room.

Geet struggled but Arjun calmed her down and let the others take Maan away.

Geet kept on babbling, "goli lagi thi unhe mene kaha tha..lekin meri baat nhi sunte...Ami ki jaan bachate bachate mene phir se Maan ko dard diya...."

Arjun :Geet..Maan would have done that happily for Ami atleast this time..

Geet : jaanti hu..isi liye darr rhi hu. Kaafi khun beh rha tha...samaj nhi a rha ki taqdeer mujhse chahti kya he? Me unhe aise nhi dekh sakti Arjun... bas ek baar me unse baat kar saku.. me unhe sab bataungi..sab kuch..ab mujhe kuch dar nhi he.. Maan ne Ami ke liye apni jaan ki parvah nhi ki..to phir wo kabhi usey apnane se nhi mukar sakte.. Maan ka haq he ki wo sach jaane me unhe sab kuch kahungi..unhe wapas ana he...Ami ke liye..aur unke Geet ke liye...

One of the doctors came out. Geet rushed to him.

Doctor : there are three bullets. One on his right arm, and one on his waist and one on his shoulder. We have to see how deep the wounds are and we need to operate asap. He is sinking and we need to get the bullets out, see the wounds.. before that we can't say anything...

Geet stood there weeping. Arjun supported her and made her sit. It was too much for her on one day. She looked at him through the glass door.

She could feel his heart beating weakly and she knew it was her name in each of his breath. She called out in a faint voice, "Maan..."

--------------------------------

PRECAP : Complications.. 😕

PRESENT :

They didn't go too far as they had to beback for Ami. It was a quiet restaurant at the end of the street. There were only a few people present. The decor was glass which gave mostly an open atmosphere and the dim blue lights went well with the moonlight. The light October breeze added more warmth to the atmosphere. They had been sitting there for about 10 minutes none talking or even looking at each other. A uniformed man at last came to them and informed politely, "This is a self-service restaurant, so if you could just look for something.."

Maan replied in a polite voice, "we are just trying to figure out what we want..umm to eat.

The man left and Maan found Geet staring at him.

Maan : Geet, I think we really need to talk. I mean this is not the way I expected things to turn out..in the park or before. Look nothing was deliberate and you know that. All I want is just 5 minutes to talk things out and find what...

Geet : You had 5 bloody years to figure out that I am a s**t..and you want to clear it in 5 minutes!!

Maan : please Geet..just once..

Geet : Maan, don't live under the impression that I am letting you around so you have a chance. Its all for Ami..You are here just for her. And if you can't do that then you are free to go! I don't think there is anything left for us to talk. You have already made your point. Just because you know that I was a virgin doesn't seem enough to change anything between us!

Maan watched her quiet and perhaps stunned for a few seconds. It was only a glimpse of the pain that she had been hiding deep under. But only a few seconds and then the moment was gone and suddenly it was like she shut her heart again. They ate their dinner quietly and left.

Next morning,

All of Ami's reports seemed normal and she was fine except for the fact that she needed a wheel chair to move. But that was temporary -for 3 months-during which she would have physio sessions and then the wheels would be replaced by a stick and hopefully in a year she would be able to walk perfectly normal again. As a final round, the team of specialists examined her once and it was decided that she could leave for home. Ami was really happy with all the things. She took the wheel chair scenario with an amazing ease much to the astonishment of everyone. She was thrilled as she got a sort of new car to move everywhere. Maan and Geet decided to keep up her spirits and arranged for a cute baby pink wheel chair with white wheels. It had a bell attached in case she needed any help and Maan placed a camera so that he could always keep a track on her. That sounds so much like Maan!!

However Geet had much difficulty in seeing her princess in a wheelchair but atleast the worst was over. She is all safe and sound and obviously not bed ridden. She can sit and lie by herself. The wheel chair was prescribed only because the kid would not have restrained movement otherwise.

So now they were all set to leave for home. Lisa was packing Ami's things. Geet was doing Ami's hair and Maan sat next to Ami reading a magazine or should I say looking at Geet through the magazines.

That was when suddenly Ami as always dropped the next bomb.

Ami : mumma wapas jayenge to me papa ke saath unke room me soungi...

Geet and Maan looked dumb founded. They knew this was about to come. Maan was planning to take them to his penthouse and Geet was trying to think of ways to convince Ami to let go of her dad. But after all its not their decision. Ami should choose where to live. Maan was happy that either way he was going to live with them but hold on, what was that papa's room???

Geet : nhi! Bilkul nhi!

Ami's face fell, "papa's not staying with us??"

Geet didn't know how to reply. She thought she could handle this but she could not think of anything.

It was Lisa who replied, "ofcourse papa is going to stay with you! Who said he won't?"

Ami was still looking at Geet her eyes full of hope. How could she deny those innocent eyes!

Geet : ofcourse, papa will be with you..I..I just meant he would stay in the guest room. Wo room clean nhi hoga. You will get infection and all na..

Ami : cmmon mumma you clean that room every week..

Geet : to? Aur waise bhi its upstairs. I can't let you go there...

Ami : to kya hua? Papa uthake le jayenge mujhe he na papa?

Maan : ofcourse princess...papa to apki gaadi me bethne hi nhi denge apko. I will take you anywhere in my arms..

For a brief moment their eyes met and they both obviously remembered the number of times Maan carried her on his shoulder. Now she can't argue with that..

PAST :

Maan woke up early next morning with a smile on his face. He clutched the soft pillow that he hugged last night and wait...why was the pillow hugging him back. He looked down to check and almost screamed in shock. GEET!!! Geet, the girl of his dreams in his arms. They literally slept together for a night. Maan slowly took his hand around her wait and tried to wake her up. He called her in hush voice, "Geet.. utho koi a jayega..Geet.."

Geet was still asleep but she smiled and replied, "Maan..."

She hugged him even tightly and slept again.

Maan : God!!! Ye ladki bhi na... if she comes this closer how am I supposed to do nothing and wake her up..but Maan keep your thoughts on hold. If anyone sees us like this and dadi gets to know then that's it. Geet..jaan utho na.."

Geet was no where near waking up. It turned out that Maan took her in his arms and sneaked out of his room to her room and made her lie on her bed. He came back making sure no one had seen him. .

He ran his hand through his hair and smiles a cocky smile thinking how much of a hopeless romantic he had become in less than a day or night of his love life. But busy as he was he had to get on with his day. Meanwhile Geet woke up an hour later and freaked out initially finding herself back in her room. For a moment she felt that she had been dreaming the whole episode. But then a text from Maan convinced her that it was all real. "Good morning sleeping beauty. Trust me i didn't want to leave if it wasn't for dadi . yours M"

That made her day. She didn't care that she was late for college and already missed the first class. Arjun had texted and called her god knows how many times and she didn't bother to look at the phone if it wasn't Maan for whom she had got that special ringtone "pehla nasha bgm" !! And at present she was least affected by the fact that Arjun was shooting daggers at her all throughout the second lecture. As the bell rang for the 10 minute break Arjun grabbed Geet by her elbow and brought her to the corner of the corridor.

Arjun : Geet, whats wrong with you? are you suddenly into some drugs or accidentally hung over? I called you since morning and you are not picking up!! and then you show up and be all weird. wats up??

Geet : umm..nothing Arjun.. I am ok..

Arjun : see there you go.. you are giving that creepy look and smile as if you are an alien!!

Geet sighed. There was no way she could keep anything from her best friend, can she??

So she just closed her eyes and uttered the words loudly as if to confirm it herself, "I am in love with Maan!!"

Arjun looked ..well puzzled to be precised.

Arjun : Maan.. you mean Maan aka Maan Singh Khurana!!

Geet beamed back, "yes!!"

Arjun : you have a crush on him?

Geet : no silly, didn't you hear me?? Maan and I are in a relationship. I mean we confessed , finally!!!

Now Arjun really took flabgustered.

Arjun : you mean Maan also..but how could.. I mean I thought you and..you never told me and he..I mean..

Geet : God!! Arjun wat are trying to say??

Arjun : isn't he old for you??

Geet : what old? he is 23 and i'm 19!! old enough for him!!! and you should be happy for me

Arjun : I dunno..he is rigid angry young man.. not at all right for a free spirit like you!!

" haven't you heard opposites attract", comes Mira's voice from behind. She joins them and hugs Geet.

Mira : finally you are getting somewhere!! So it was him who kissed you??

Geet blushed all pink and her looked away. Mira giggled and they got into the girly chat and never noticed when a devastated Arjun left.

In the evening Geet's heart thudded as they sat for dinner but Maan didn't even behaved as if he knew Geet. Hmm she frowned and decided to give him a piece of mind later at night! Oh God, what was she thinking? Was she going to meet him again? But he didn't even ask her to come back again.. Again Geet was struggling by midnight torn between the urge to go and compelled to stop. Finally she sneaked into his room and lo, he was not even in his room. Geet was disappointed. He didn't even care and here she was all standing in his room like a fool. Suddenly something vibrated in the pocket of her PJ and she jumped in shock. That was her phone ringing. As the screen showed "Maan"... her eyes flashed and she answered immediately, "Maan!"

Maan :Geet

Both of them spoke at the same time.

Maan/Geet : Where r u?

Both pause in surprise and again continue together, "in your room"

A moment of silence as they realize what both of them had been doing and then they laugh out loud.

Maan : ok Geet, tum wahi rukho. I'm coming.

On their second night Geet again got into the album and started questioning him particularly about the sexy girls who were in his photos and any of the details that he had missed the previous night. And then she said that he would better not ignore her completely outside this room which she regretted from the naughty expression in Maan's eyes. It felt real and natural when she snuggled closer to his chest and fell asleep once again with Maan carrying her back to her room in the morning .

PRESENT :

Ami was excited to be back home with mumma and papa. Maan kept his promise and she still had to try her "car" once Maan put her on the ground. Geet wanted Ami to rest and to be honest sleep sp that she could give the guest room to Maan. But Ami was Ami.. she wanted to see the mystery papa room now that her papa was with her. In the end Geet had to give up. She gave the key to Maan and silently went to her room and shut the door. Maan still had no idea why Geet was so reluctant in letting him inside the room even though he was intrigued by the idea of his own room in Geet's house. The moment he opened the door everything was clear to him. It was filled with all their memories. Ami curiously watched all those pictures of her mum and dad hanging on the wall but to Maan, they were memories. Each one of them had a tale of its own. Most of the pics were clicked by him or collected by him if they were accidentally clicked in a party. Almost all of them were his favourites. It was arranged in the same that he liked to keep them except that they were framed and not in album. Maan didn't write diaries. He preferred to keep photographs as a living proof of the memories than words. Geet did exactly what he wished. Not just the photograph, the room itself was decorated according to Maan's taste. The bedspreads, the colour of the wall and the curtains were all light and elegant just the way he liked. The wardrobe had a few set of his formals, casuals and nightwears, all neatly folded or in the hangers. The bathroom had his brand of shower gel, after shave as if he really lived there. There was a small cupboard holding some of his favourite books and a writing table that had a latest laptop, a few management books, A4 sheets and a writing pad. Every single thing the room was taken care of. With a jolt Maan realized that it was not just his name that Geet carried with her. She actually lived with him as if he did exist in her life always. All that time when he blamed her of betrayal she could not be anymore loyal. No wonder Ami found out that he was her dad. How could anyone live in this house and not feel his presence!

The guilt and remorse that Maan felt was beyond any words. He was just beginning to realize the depth of his big mistake. He turned down a girl who was devoted to him all her life and he had to pay for it. He wished Geet hated him more and hurt him again and again that his heart would bleed and he would be relieved of the pain. He couldn't believe how her love scared him and her hatred comforted him. But then he had done enough wrong. Now he had to face the truth and get wounded. So he stood there right in the middle of the room hugging his daughter in his arms and taking in every inch of the place-every tiny detail of her love for him without a single word.

-------------------------

PRECAP : love and love only 😉

waiting for your longgg comments :)

Maan didn't have the nerve to look at Geet while they were on the dinner table. Geet felt relieved as Maan didn't react in anyway seeing the room though a part of her mind, only a small tiny mini part, hoped that he would say something about it. Ami described once that the room was pretty awesome' but both Maan and Geet were eager to change the topic. Later Geet was cleaning up the dishes Maan came to kitchen looking for water.

Before he left he turned his head towards her. Geet could feel his intent gaze on her though she dared not look at him. Her hands stopped mid way as she was arranging the plates back in order. Maan cleared his throat and said in a soft voice, "Geet..thanks for the room"

And then he was gone. A slight trace of smile came on her rosy lips for a second. She knew what he meant. How much that meant for him to see all that in his room..and it was not just the room, but the space that she had given him in her mind. But then the reality was too harsh for her. How much she wished for this day in her life. She always thought that one day Maan would see the depth of her heart and would throw his arms around her taking away all her pain. But now, all that seemed like a fool's dream gone in vain. Today even if he took her in his arms she would be suffocated by the very love for which she once craved for. Her smile faded and she mechanically continued her job.

Things were slowly falling back into place. Two days passed and everything seemed to get back into a routine. Maan kept himself away from Geet as much as possible for now he knew the pain she would go through whenever she saw him. The pain that he gave himself thus was somewhat comforting as a penance. But that was not enough and Maan knew that very well. So it was the day when both Maan and Geet had to get back to work. After all the scam and accident, this was the first time Geet was going back to the office. She knew that people would be pointing their fingers at her and even laugh at her. She didn't care about all that. She had seen worse. At least all these wont hurt her to the extent that Maan had hurt her. Clearly that wasn't the fact that disturbed her while she was getting ready for the office. Adi reached their place early in the morning and remained in Maan's room. He was normally a nice person unlike his boss(!!). This morning he didn't wish Geet or asked about Ami and went straight to meet Maan. Geet feared that something was terribly wrong or Adi won't behave like this. To affirm her fears Adi and Maan already left without even asking her to join them for office. She didn't want to but she had told Maan that they have to take the same vehicle as Ami wanted to see them off together for once.

Lisa : Geet, you look worried! Whats wrong?

Geet : I dunno Lisa but I think something is up..Maan and Adi sir left early

Lisa(grinning) : worried for your man, huh?

Geet : No! I mean.. I am worried that I will be fired. I think they are planning for that!

Lisa : I bet they are not hon!

Geet : You don't know Maan! He would stoop to any level to get what he wants! And right now that is Ami. He knows that as long as I have a job I can take care of her. If I lose that, I will be incapable and he can take charge!

Lisa rolled her eyes, "Does he know who Mia is?"

Geet slightly taken aback, "no.."

Lisa : then why would he want her back?

Geet : I don't know..he somehow gets well with Ami..he loves her like a daughter

Lisa smiled and touched Geet on her shoulder, "Darling, he is doing all that to please you can't you see that. A father is drawn to a kid by the nurturing of her mother. Ami has your traits in her and thats why he loves her. He wants you and he knows that you are incomplete without Mia. That's the connection you are missing!"

Geet stared at Lisa as if she was speaking some foreign language and then she sighed.

Geet : I don't know this man anymore. He..Lisa, he can't love me..

Lisa : why? What has changed?

Geet : because he thought I was cheating on him!! How could he think so low of me? He thought I brought Ami to trick him for money! All these years he thought I was such a filthy person..then how does all that change now? Just because he knows that I didn't sleep with anyone else? All of a sudden he wants me to behave as if nothing wrong ever happened between us! How is that possible?

Lisa : don't talk so loud. You are going to wake Mia!

Geet : I'm sorry, all I want to say is it doesn't matter to me if he loves me or not. It means nothing to me.

As Geet left for the office Lisa smiled and said, "It means everything to you or else you wont be thinking about it!"

Geet got out of the cab and took a long breathe. Ok, so this won't be hard enough, thought she. After all, this was the same building where she had been working for the last five years.

It's not that daring to walk up to her desk her head held high. But she never had an experience of walking into her work-place when the video of herself making out with their most potential client is getting maximum hits on YouTube. Somewhere in the corner of her brain that old teenager Geet started giving her nasty comments, "why not, when we look so hot kissing..I mean I saw the video myself twice..thrice(ok 10 times, don't count the replays..) and it was umm smoking hot!! The raw passion and the need in his touch.." Ssshhh Geet mentally wacked that erratic teenager Geet and walked into the building. Did the security guy always stare at her like that or was it her imagination? The cafeteria lady, elevator maintenance boy, the beauty dept assistant, the gossip girls, Manisha and the A-list size zero models, the editors of various depts. and the vanity girls all of them definitely don't stare at her usually like they did today when she walked through the building.

But wait, they were actually not laughing at her or anything but some of them, atleast those gossip girls and size-zero models, were looking at her with admiration!! Wait! why would that be?? Oh, she gets to nail the hottie married client and they don't!! Eww how pathetic! Geet could not stand the thought that she was actually the object of interest for those girls. She felt disgusted. She never wanted the paparazzi attention and that too in Maan's name. But now she was being dragged right in the middle of it and probably she would lose her job also. So much for falling in love..well once upon a time..

Once she reached her desk, there was already a message from Ramona to meet her immediately. That was half an hour ago but now Ramona was in a meeting. Geet decided to go into the room and face whatever the result might be. But her legs stopped mid-way when she heard a furious voice inside Ramona's cabin. She knew that thundering voice like more than anything else in the world, the ruthless Maan Singh Khurana. Ramona was meeting Maan.. which means Maan left early to see Ramona. However that was not the fact that shocked Geet. The words that he spat pierced right through her heart like a bullet.

Geet listened carefully and her eyes widened as she heard,

Maan : I can't believe this I'm sitting here and arguing about this with you!! Just get this straight lady, you fire her or I'm walking out of this deal!!

Geet(self-thought) : what?? He wants to cancel this million dollar deal just to get me fired?? Probably yes, he paid that Rosa a fortune!!

Maan continued, "I can't stand her in this office any more ok??

Ramona : But Maan, how can I do this? It is not just my decision. I have to consult the chairman and others. She had been a valuable asset to our firm for.. well so many years. Her work had always been the finest. She even assissted your project, can't you see??

Maan : yeah that I saw

Ramona : God! You are getting personal here. Think professionally

Maan : right! that's what I was talking about. If she stays we are pulling this off. I can go to any other magazine in the city like Vogue or The Look and get back all that I would lose. But if this goes off then your Pageant can kiss its a**!!

Geet's jaw dropped hearing him swear like that.

Ramona : This is impossible. Listen, Mr. Khurana I will try but I can't promise anything. We have to be diplomatic here anyway even if I will fire HER anyway!!

That was the limit for Geet. So she was losing her job, fine! Then why would she wait for their stupid meeting to be over? She would just go inside and get it head-on. She marched inside not even bothering to knock and suddenly there was pin-drop silence in the room.

Ramona smiled nervously, which in fact was rare considering the confident woman that she was.

Ramona : oh Geet.. you didn't check in before coming

Geet didn't miss the quick glance that Ramona threw at Maan. Maan just stiffened as he heard Geet's voice.

Geet : yeah, but I got your message. You wanted me asap..

Ramona : oh that, umm well I need to talk to..

Maan : Thats your final call?

Ramona : I have agreed to your demand..

Maan : on my terms?

Ramona : Fine! I give up. We are doing this NOW! Happy?

Geet stood there clenching her nails on the file that she had carried as a prop. She looked at Ramona and then at Maan. Finally Ramona called for her attention.

Ramona sighed and gave a sharp look to Geet. Geet was well-prepared. She knew she was being fired and she didn't care..atleast in front of others.

But what Ramona said shook the Earth beneath her.

Ramona : Geet, ask everyone to assemble in the conference hall. EVERYONE!! And YOU better be there first coz you have only 4 minutes left.

Geet sent the message by selecting All contacts and sank back to her seat. That was probably her last task. She was prepared to be thrown away. That was never new for her. Atleast this was a job not a family like her previous ones (real and adopted) who abandoned her. But no, he wont be satisfied with that. He wanted to humiliate her in front of everyone. Wasn't all that humiliation enough? He had to finish it personally? And he claimed he loved me,my foot!! , thought Geet.

She rushed to the elevators to get to the conference room.

PAST :

A week after they had professed their love, things were going really smooth. They spent every night together and every morning Maan had to take Geet to her room. Maan knew that Geet's favourite colour was red, she loved parathas made of ghee and she hated baigan ka bharta becoz it smelt burnt. She loved rain but hated being sick afterwards. She skipped her class 11 straight a week as a guy used to follow her on her way. She loved romantic movies and always wanted a dramatic climax to her love story!! She hit a girl in the dark because she made fun of her friend Arjun when she was in class 10th. She hated when Nayan Tara came to their house because she just hated her!! She wished she was in love with a Vampire when she read Twilight.

Geet on the other hand found out rare facts about Maan. Brace yourselves!!! Its known that Maan loved photography but he got that hobby from a tech-book which he happened to read scretly while he was in high school when dadima believed that he was studying hard. Once Maan went on a bicycle ride with his Math tuition teacher, Ms. Pamela!!! He liked paasta, his favourite dessert was mishty dahi for obvious reasons.."mishty mishty" He hated bhindi and panir should be exiled from Earth!! He never read Harry Potter but he liked Twilight!! He secretly watched Romantic comedies and when Geet laughed saying it was girly, he explained that he wont ever watch Mean Girls or anything like that but he had seen Friends with Benefits, Its a boy girl thing, Love Actually, Pretty Woman etc.. He used to buy some special oil to grow a beard while he was a teenager!!

And so they shared everything about each other well censoring the naughty thoughts they had about each other. Cmon, its been only a week!!

Geet was chatting with her friends Mira and Arjun after the class. The plan was to leave in Arjun's car and they would drop Geet in the mansion and then go to the pub that Mira wanted to explore. But as they reached the parking lot a black BMW was waiting for Geet. Geet got excited and told her friends to leave. She opened the door excitedly but was soon disappointed to find the back seat empty. "Maan nhi aye?", she enquired the driver Yogesh.

Yogesh smiled and replied, "nhi madam lekin Maan sir ne apko leke ane ke liye bola he"

Geet was surprised as Maan didn't mention about any plans the previous night. Infact they never went out as a matter of fact.

Geet : kaha leke jaane ko bola?

Yogesh : wo nhi batane ko bola saab ne

Now Geet was getting irritated. How could Maan expect that she would go with a driver who would not tell her the destination? What if he kidnapped her? But that might not happen as Yogesh was one of Maan's trusted employees, still you know..

Geet : ek minute Yogesh, I have to make a call

Yogesh : ok madam

Geet took a few steps away from the car and dialed Maan's number.

Maan was in a heated argument with the board members.

Maan : The hell with your money..You guys know very well that I am the major shareholder here in this group. If you pull out I can still go with it myself, got that?

One of the elder board member, Mr. Shindey : Mr. Khurana we understand your views. But you are new to this field. And I'm afraid too nave to handle this all alone. This industry won't work that way. We need profits and there are people who benefit from this, lots of them. We can't ignore everyone and just go ahead..

Maan barked louder that the whole room trembled in silence, "Mr. Shindey, If all those experience didn't teach you the value of honesty then my words won't do that job either! Khurana constructions are known for their quality! Just because we reduce our quality for the reason that the cement and sand prices have gone up, it will tarnish our name forever and you better get this straight that being a Khurana I know very well how to hold that name properly. If it diminishes the profit for now , I'm ready to cut down my income from this deal but I will never back out from my word! Is that clear everyone? I want no compromise in our quality for the...

It was at that moment his phone rang. Maan looked at his mobile and raised his eyebrows. It was the first time she called him after they were committed.

Maan :umm.. excuse me gentlemen, I have uh..an important call

With that he left the conference hall signaling Adi to take over. He stepped out to the hallway and picked the phone. Before he could say hello the hoarse complaining and whining yet sexy voice ringed in his ear that his face just froze.

Geet: itna time kyu lagta he apko call uthane me? Aur ap waise bhi apne apko samjate kya ho? Bhoj maharaja jo hukam diya wahi hoga duniya me.. matlab me to hu hi nahi na sab apki manmarzi chalegi aur Geet to baz jo hokum mera aka kahegi he na? he na? he na?

Maan : saans le lo..

Geet : kya?

Maan : saans le lo warna meri jaan atak jaati he!

How could she not smile when he threw something like that. But he can't see that in the phone.

Geet : me apse naaraz hu

Maan : arey abhi to hasi

Geet : apko kaise pata?

Maan (smirking) : matlab tum hasi?

Geet (blushing) : wo sab chhodo.. pehle ye batao phone uthane me itna time kyu laga

Maan : kaam kar rha tha

Geet : aahaha.. kaam? Lekin 3 baje to apka lunch time he na?

Maan : arey meeting thi

Geet : hai rabba! Matlab apne khana nhi khaya? Ap bhi na zara sa to khayal rakho apne apka..tabhi me sochu mujhe hichkiya kyu aa rhi thi lunch pe..

Maan in amunsed tone, "Geet.. meeting abhi khatam ho jayegi to me kha lunga"

Geet : pakka?

Maan : pakka. Aur ab se time pe lunch karunga warna tumhe hichki a jayegi na

Geet : ha nhi to

Maan : to tumne ye kehne ke liye call kiya ki tumhe hichki ayi?

Geet : uffo.. nhi Maan me kya bachi hu?

Maan: to phir baat kya he?

Geet : apne gaadi bheji?

Maan couldn't help the involuntary snort that irritated Geet even more.

Geet : arey ap has rhe ho?

Maan : nhi Gee two bas tumne kaha bachi nhi ho.. to meri badi Geet ka sawal sunke hasi to ayegi na

Geet : arey to ye bacho wali baat thodi na he? Gaadi bheji lekin mujhe nhi bataya jaata ki me kaha ja rhi hu! Matlab agar mera kidnap ho rha he to?

Maan : Geet is dilli me kisi ki himmat bhi nhi ki tumhari taraf aankh bhi uthake dekhe aur jagah to surprise he. Tum jitna bhi drama karo nhi bataunga

Geet : Maann.. me dramebaaz hu? Drama ap kar rhe ho ya me? Agar mujhe pata nhi chalega to me kya kapde pehnungi?

Maan : don't worry Geet! Mene saare arrangements kar diye. Tum bas gaadi me betho aur mujse milne ka count down krti raho

--------------------------------------------------------------

PRECAP : Geet fired Maan!!! 😲 😲 😲

Hope the update was good enough. plsss plsss give me long and detailed comments...

PRESENT:

Geet had no option but to serve. She walked slowly to table 7 and got the shock of her life. Maan, Ramona, Sasha, Ramond and some other important people were sitting on the table staring at her.

Geet smiled nervously.

Ramona (in hushed tones) : what are you doing here??

Meanwhile the others who didn't know Geet started asking for their orders. Geet stood there confused. Maan rolled his eyes and stood up.

Maan : I think all of us should try to taste each one of these except those who are allergic to salmonella and mushrooms.

The others laughed.

Maan : Geet pass them and take a seat

If Geet was shocked earlier, she wanted to faint now seeing the person helping her. Sasha wanted to cry, even after all those efforts Geet just managed to pull it off. She fumed in anger.

After the dinner, Geet stood in the balcony of the party hall thinking about the things that happened inside. Maan came there and stood next to her.

Geet : why did you help me?

Maan : why are you here?

Geet : ji?

Maan : the theme was changed. I thought they would inform you.

Geet : you mean I gate-crashed here? I knew it, ki kutti-kamini ne hi ye kiya hoga

Maan chuckled.

Geet : yeah, you love them don't you. You would because they don't leave any chance to get me into trouble

Maan : hmm but I'm bored.

Geet : bored?

Maan : of enjoying your troubles

Geet : ohh really?

Maan : I'm going back to India Geet, forever.

Geet stood still for a moment.

Geet :so, this is it?

Maan : yes! This is it, I quit.

Geet: forever...

Maan : you should be relieved

Geet: trust me I want to be.

They heard the music playing in the hall

Maan : they have started the Indian music. dance? (extended his hand in a gentle-man way)

She held his hand and they walked towards the dance-floor.

The song,

" Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena
Mere Dil Ki Raani Tum
Meri Khushiyon Ka Mausam
Mere Khwaabon Ki Taavir
Mere Sapanon Ki Tasveer
Bin Tere Kaisi Aas
Woh Jeet Ho Ya Haar
Tere Sang Hai Sab Kuchh
Tu Na Ho Toh Bekaar
Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena

Suni Khaali Raaten
Ruthi Feeki Baaten
Har Aahat Pe Chaaukun
Tujhko Harsu Dekhu
Tujhko Hardam Sochu
Tujhko Har Pal Chahu
Tere Bin Toh Jeevan Mera Hai Intezaar
Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena

Tere Saath Jiye Jo Pal
Kuchh Unse Nahi Badhkar
Tere Khaatir Saans Main Loon
Teri Khaatir Jeeta Hoon
Marne Ki Tamanna Bhi
Tere Saath Main Rakhta Hoon
Tu Hai Jeene Ki Wajah
Kar Mera Aitbaar
Bin Tere Kya Hai Jeena"

(if you really want to enjoy the next part please watch the VM) - all credit to VM maker 😊

Maaneet VM: Bine tere kya hai jeena

They danced swaying their hips in synch to the musics in each others arms. Maan's one hand was on her waist and the other entangled with her hand. Geet had her other hand resting on his shoulder. The music was passionate and they got lost into each others eyes. In the heat of the moment they forgot everything. The bitterness, the hatred was blurred as it was just the two souls of Maan and Geet and not their egos. They sneaked out to an empty corner.

Geet : you dance well, even now

Maan : you too.

Geet : you are not coming back, not even once??

Maan : no.. I don't want to waste my life on you. I want to live my own and move on.

Geet : good luck with that..

Maan : I hope you already have that..

Geet : yeah I have moved on and thats why I was in your arms dancing a few moments ago

Maan's eyes now looked at her lips and she bit them. Every time she did that, it turned him on. He nibbled slowly on her lower lip waiting for her to open up. She hesitated but couldn't refuse him. He was so earnest that in no time she forgot herself and was chewing on his lips letting him invade every corner inside her mouth.His body crushed her as he tried to get more and more from her rosy lips.

Sasha burned in anger as she saw Geet making out with Maan. She had the entire video of the scene.

Sasha(self-talk) : Geet, I never wanted a gossip to climb my ladder because you never tried to get anything that way. I even tried to save your name in front of Maan and then I got my reward. Maan shouted at me in front of everyone on the sets the other day. I took revenge by sending those pics to media. But this time you crossed all your limits by making out with Maan who wanted to date me and asked me out until you seduced him. So now, I'm going to cross my limits..

Unknown to this Maan and Geet were lost in kissing each other when Geet's phone rang.

They broke off and laughed awkwardly.

Geet : I have to get this one.

Maan turned around but waited for her.

Geet : ha Pinky..kya?

Pinky: Geet.me ...bol rhi hu

Geet: kaha? Kya hua..tu kaha se bol rhi he

Pinky : tujhe 2 ghante se try kr rhi hu Geet phone hi nhi lag rha...dekh ab meri baat dhyaan se sun theek he! Don't panic

Geet already panicking, "kya hua Pinky? Ami.. Ami theek to he

Pinky : Geet suno, Ami aj shaam ko bohat upset thi. She was crying and then jab me ayi to wo doorbell sunke she was running down the stairs and lost balance and slipped

Geet : NO!!! No no no...where is she?? Baat karao meri ussey abhi

Pinky : Geet wo theek ho jayegi.. don't worry, Lisa is here. tu abhi City Care hospital me a jao

Geet : Pinky Ami se meri baat karao ABHI!

Meanwhile Maan turned back as he heard Geet raising her voice.

Pinky : dekh Geet wo..Ami abhi ICCU me he..doctors are examining abhi kuch kaha nhi he, tu jaldi a jaa

Geet dropped the phone and was about to fall fainting when Maan held her.

Maan : Geet.. Geet kya hua..utho Geet..ankhe kholo..

One of the staff saw them and brought water . Maan sprinkled some water on Geet's face. She opened her eyes slowly.

Geet : mmmi..Ami..mujhe jaana he..abhi jaana he Maan sir..Ami seediyo se gir gayi usko chot lagi he pata nhi kaisi he mujhe abhi jaana he..meri bachi hospital me he aur me yaha party me...mujhe jaana he..

Maan s jaw tightened as Geet mentioned Ami but now he was matured enough to act human atleast. Somebody was in danger and he had to help atleast for Geet whom he had once loved.

Maan : Geet..calm down! tum aise kahi nhi ja rhi

Geet : mujhe abhi jaana he sir please..

Maan : It's ok. You can go. Mera matlab tha is halat me tum akeli nhi jaogi. Me drop kar dunga

He took her to the hospital in his car. Now and then Maan looked at her and all he found in her face was worry for her daughter. Ofcourse that was Geet, who loved so passionately that you can't help but love her back with the same passion. There was a time when all her love was for him and only him. He wondered how things ever drifted apart from them. How she changed all of a sudden and how they reached to the present situation.

The car pulled back in front of the City Care hospital. Geet ran inside madly and started blabbering to the receptionist in Hindi.

Maan signalled Geet to move back and enquired, "Can you tell us about the patient admitted just now umm.. one Ms. Ami..umm..

Geet : Amiya

Receptionist : last name please

Geet : Amiya Maan Singh Khurana!!!

A current passed through Maan when he heard that. But before he could react the receptionist replied, "yeah Amiya Maan Singh Khurana! (with a heavy accent) She is at the ICCU, first floor at the far end"

Geet ran to the elevators and went upstairs. Maan had not yet recovered from the shock of "Amiya Maan Singh Khurana". He decided it was best he stayed away from them or else he would hurt them and get hurt himself. He turned around and walked away.

As the elevator door opened Geet frantically ran towards the ICCU. She saw Lisa, her clothes drenched in blood, sitting on the waiting couch.

Geet: Lisa..thats my kid's blood? Oh God! You could have done this to me not her...where is she..mujhe milna he...I have to see her now!!!

Lisa : Calm down Geet. She is not in danger. The head injury is not at all deep. The docs have the scan reports.

Geet : can I see her then? Is she fine?

Lisa: listen to me Geet.. go and meet the doctor. They need to talk to you.

Geet ran downstairs. Maan didn't leave till then. He saw her running frantically and couldn't just leave her. He decided to go accompany her.

Inside the room,

Geet : How is my daughter? Why r you not letting me see her?

Doc: Listen Ms, she is out of any danger but... the kid is having a pelvic fracture which is unstable. A surgery is required ASAP or else she can be crippled for life and in case of infection it can lead to further complications.

Geet : No No no... give her the best treatment available. I will do watever it takes. Is this surgery complicated?

Doc : no we have the experts here. But it should be done immediately. It will take around 90 days for her recovery you see.. but she is young and strong. So we are hopeful that she will recover completely!

Geet : Thank you so much. That is really really so good to hear.

Doc : ok then, you have to pay 45,000$ for the surgery which is excluding the other expenses.

Geet(mumbling) : itney sarey paiso ka intezaam kaha se karungi me? Wo bhi itni jaldi..ab me

Maan : thats no problem doctor! You should start the procedures. I will pay right away.

Doc: ok, lets get to action then.

As they got into the elevator after paying the amount,

Geet : I will return your money.. kaise bhi karke..

Maan (snapped) : apney bachi ko mere naam dene se pehle sochna chahiye tha tumhe ye sab!

Geet : why are you concerned about her now?

Maan : It's not about her..it's you.. I don't want you in pain..samjhi tum!

Geet : me apko kabhi nhi samaj paungi

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

PRECAP : Love vs Hate continues... 😳

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

Geet felt like she had stepped into the ICCU where the doctors would announce she had only seconds left or declare her dead. Technically, she wont be able to hear that if she was dead. But here she don't have that sweet chance of escape. This was no ICCU but the spacious and luxurious conference hall of Pageant. There were two elaborate oval shaped rows around the central table. The polished mahagony tables were separated by an ascending step like a movie hall so that the people on the second row might not miss the show or the boss could catch them if they were accidentally sleeping. The chairs had plush leather cushions all arranged in a black and white order like a chess board. There was a mike and a bottle of expensive mineral water placed in front of each chair on the table. Geet always felt that it was such a waste of money as the mineral water bottles would be trashed after every conference which would be 10 per day with an attendance of hardly 10 people and the rest of the unused bottle would go to the bin even without the seal broken. That was according to the pageant logic that time taken to sort the unused bottles would be wasted and time is money!

But today the conference hall was packed. 80% of the employees were present there. Almost all the seats were taken and people were even standing. The empty seats ofcourse were that of Maan Ramona and Adi who did not arrive yet. Geet took the seat next to Sasha. The protocol of Pageant suggested that the editor-in-chief was supposed to be seated on the central seat and the first and second assisstants took the seats at her immediate right respectively. The room was filled with low murmurs and a few accidentals squeaks now and then. It was evident that something was going on of which Geet wasn't aware of. She looked around but only found Sasha who was glowering at her, definitely not a good choice to collect news. Pinky was nowhere in her sight. Geet felt this earlier that Pinky was "in" with Adi and Maan on something which she was trying to hide from her. Apparently she didn't want to be the one to break the bad news to her thought Geet. And then suddenly and abruptly all the whispering and murmuring stopped as the men and women in power entered the conference room. Leading in front was Ramona followed by Maan, Adi and a much timid Pinky who immediately separated from them to the farthest corner of the room. Geet shifted in her seat uncomfortably as Maan's gaze fell on her for a split of a second and then he marched to his seat. Ramona offered Maan her own seat at the centre indicating clearly that Maan was the centre of attraction for the day. Geet stood up for Ramona and so was placed in between Maan and Ramona.

Before she could curse herself she heard a manly voice addressing the crowd,

Maan : Hello everyone, I wanted you all gathered here to make an important announcement. Its probably the first time that the press is waiting impatiently for an in-house tabloid news.(he chuckled in a rough voice and then his face became all business-like) Several things have been going on for the past two weeks. I know there had been a lot of speculations and rumors most of which are I would say true. But today when I give my statement all those speculations and rumors may turn into facts. (He then showed a device to everyone) Can anyone tell me what this is?

Someone from the crowd shouted, "that's a jammer!"

Maan nodded in approval and said, "yes it is! Does anyone of you know how lethal a jammer could be? I guess one of us definitely know that by now. Because one of us had got this fixed on Geet's house just so because they had to block her information of the party dress code. Geet came to the party wearing the show stopper dress which was originally decided to be worn by all the waitresses. Now that does not sound lethal. But the thing is the jammer blocked all her contacts to her home and her five year old kid fell from the stairs and broke her rib!! And not just that, this someone even went a step ahead and made an MMS of Geet to tarnish her image!! That's enough messing up in an office and I declare that person, Ms Sasha, fired from Pageant and unfit to work in any other firm with a blacklisted resume!

Sasha jumped up from her seat. Her face was flushed. She said in a faint trembling voice, "YOU can't fire me!"

Maan : Ofcourse I can!

Sasha : NO! NO! How can you say that I fixed that jammer? Or that MMS?

Maan : indeed because I have the proof. You ordered the jammer from your laptop under the fake username and uploaded the MMS. Both are from the same IP address. Have you noticed your laptop is missing since yesterday? Don't worry my men are working on it and they will return it you safe and sound.

Sasha was bewildered. She never thought somebody would go so deep into all these. Now she was totally exposed in front of all her colleagues. Even Tasha confessed after a small threat from Ramona. She was caught without a way to escape, totally trapped. She felt humiliated and infuriated. And so she bursted out, "Oh yes indeed I did it!! You know why because I wanted everyone to know how our beloved colleague Geet was violating the company policies. Why the hell are you concerned if she comes to a party wearing a wrong dress?? Why are you concerned if her daughter fell off the stairs?? She was making out with you in the party!! That's why she didn't care what happened at her home!! Because I don't think you even care that much for your own family! If it was then you wont be here defending this assistant when your own wife is claiming a divorce from you!!"

Ramona barked, "Stop right now Sasha or I'm going to call the cops!"

Sasha : I know you will do that even if I keep quiet but that doesn't change anything! This man wants to prove that I am a vamp well then what is he himself? Here is he supporting this b**** who is the mother of a child who does not have a father!!

The vague murmurs all around the room stopped abruptly as Maan thundered, "ENOUGH Sasha! I don't need to answer any of your stupid questions but don't you dare blame my kid or her mother!!"

The crowd was surprised but Geet sat there frozen. The same words which she wanted to hear all these years were now said in front of the whole world.

She forced herself to focus as Maan continued.

Maan : As for me, I am divorced long time ago. I fell in love with Geet when I was..(chuckles) probably when I was eighteen. That's when I saw her first. We confessed five years later and were happily and madly in love with each other. But then things went wrong. We fought and..I left her and got married. She walked away from my life and that's when I realized how incomplete my life is without her. I thought it was too late but fate had its part to play. Pari and I decided to split our marriage as it had no future. The next day I came to know that Geet works here. I came here, and found her. After all those years we were together again and I kissed MY fianc!! Yes I am going to marry the mother of my child!! It was a special moment of my life which was ruined by this woman (pointing to Sasha) and I m gona sue her big time. Ummm so that's it I am going to get married soon I hope!

The reports started recording and writing furiously. There were questions pouring out. "When will you get married Mr. Khurana?" "Will the wedding be at New York or India?" "I heard you booked the Plaza. Is that for the wedding?" "How is your daughter? What are her thoughts about the wedding?" "Is it true that Vera Wang would provide a personally customized design for the wedding outfit?" "Who has the satellite rights for the big wedding?"

Maan was barely listening to them. His eyes were focused on Geet who was equally surrounded by a set of reporters.

She was sitting there frozen and numb unable to comprehend anything. Maan made way and made her stand with his hands around her waist. He led her outside the room and they enetered the elevators.

Geet still stood there almost lifeless. Maan was getting nervous now.

Maan : Geet are you ok?

She came back to her senses and freed herself from his grip.

Geet : how dare you! How dare you Maan!! I need to get out.. mujhe abhi bahar jaana he.

Geet tried to reach for the button but Maan quickly pressed STOP and stopped the elevator mid-way blocking Geet.

Geet : mujhe bahar jaana he..jaane dijiye abhi...

Maan : Geet stop it! Whats wrong with you? The lift is half-way..u can't go out..until we talk!

Geet : Whats left there to talk? Mujhe laga atleast now you understand some of my pain..but no..you want to trap me and get married!! That's what you were trying to do there.. that's why you planned all this!!

Maan : What are you talking about? I planned nothing! You think I framed Sasha? God! Geet I'm not that low..

Geet : I am not talking about that.. I know you took so much effort to expose Sasha and prove me clean..Thats not what I am talking about..That clip never bothered me because I was never ashamed of accepting our relationship in public..

Maan : then why are you still mad at me Geet? Can't we start once again?

Geet : You still don't get it, do you? I wasn't angry because of the leaked MMS! I am upset not because of what you did with that Rossa either.. its just that how could YOU think so low of me.. It disgusts me.. Maan you could stab me with a knife and I will still defend you but you ripped off my self-respect. Its worse than rape!

Maan : Geet..

Geet : And this is not the way to start afresh! You are forcing me into a marriage that I don't want..

Maan : I didn't force you.. I would never do that..

Geet : then what was all that about?

Maan: I just wanted to shut that Sasha. When she blamed you like that and talked about Ami. I just said to prove her wrong. I know very well how difficult it is for you. But if you think about it you know that's the only possible way

Geet : Maan you still think I will say yes to this?

Maan : Do we have another choice? Listen Geet, I am more than happy to leave everything back in India and be around you and Ami but the only reason I want to go back is dadi. I owe her an explanation for all this. Pari is leaving and dadi thinks its all because of what happened here. But I have to let her know the truth. Given her health, I want to be with her. She is everything to me..

Geet : I know. You can go back..

Maan : that's it? I go back and end of the story? What about Ami? What will you do when she will ask for her dad?

Geet : oh, that's your alibi? Its me who appointed you as her father..well then now I fire you from that position! Did you hear me, You are fired Maan!

Maan held her shoulders tenderly.

Maan : calm down Geet. That's easier said than done. Ami now has a person in her mind as her dad. It will be impossible for you to fill that place and you know that. Just consider this marriage as an arrangement. Like you and I will take care of Ami living under the same roof like strangers. I would never claim any rights on you as a husband. We will just be Ami's parents and nothing more!

Geet : you know what, I am not taking it still!

Maan : Just think over..

Geet got through Maan and switched back the elevator to the ground floor again.

PAST :

Yogesh stopped in front of a white trendy building. On either side of the pathway there was a neatly grown lawn and a beautiful garden mostly consisting of orchids and expensive imported flowers which were pretty showy. As Geet stepped in, she could sense the floral smell at the place. That had to be a spa thought she. So Maan planned a spa-day for her may be. Two uniformed girls greeted her and took her in as she said her name. Several girls attended her at the same time. One girl started working on her face and plucked her brows. Two short girls started working efficiently on her hands, probably doing manicure and other two on her legs, pedicure. An elderly lady was doing wonders with her hair. An hour later when Geet looked at the mirror she felt different. She knew that she was a beautiful girl but she never took much care of her looks. But now suddenly she looked glowing and her skin and hair felt smooth and silky. The uniformed girls appeared again out of nowhere and took her to a different room. Her eyes widened at the sight in front of her. It was like in one of the sets of princess diaries. The closet was elegantly stuffed with all kinds of dresses, formals, casuals, ethnic wears, traditional lehangas, saris and all the required accessories.

Geet couldn't help but ask in a meek voice, "I thought this was a beauty parlour."

One of the uniformed girl replied in a business-like pleasant voice, "oh yes mam! This is indeed a beauty parlour plus a makeover centre"

Geet : make-over?

Girl : only for VIP customers

Geet : And I'm a VIP customer?

Girl2 : ofcourse mam as you have a full-day appointment with all our services!

Geet : and how much is that for?

Girl1 : oh..only 75000 mam!

Geet was about to faint. What was Maan thinking? Was she an ugly rot who needed serious make over?

Geet : so what was the instruction given to you regarding my make-over?

Girl: oh nothing mam! we were told that we should not do anything without your consent. But we will have you choose from a particular set of clothing as you are going to some kind of party.

Geet : party? Umm..ok show me the clothes!

Geet expected them to lead her to the set of cocktail dresses but they brought a hanger full of colourful printed skirts and jumpers.

Geet : are you sure this was supposed to be a party-wardrobe?

Girl1: ofcourse mam

Geet sighed and leisurely picked up some skirts and cool blouses to go with it which was accessorized by the girls. She wore a knee-length sky blue skirt and beige floral printed blouse. The girls gave her a handcrafted jute bag and a scarf with goggles and set of dazzling earrings suggesting her to go plain neck.

jsut to get a feel of a bubbly Geet in casuals :

She liked the way she looked and so much wanted to hug Maan for this royal treatment. At the same time her phone rang and she pouted as she picked up the phone.

Maan : kaise laga?

Geet : ap na baat mat kariye mujse

Maan : ab mene kya kiya mishty?

Geet : rehne dijiye.. agar apko lagta he ki me itni badzurat hu to mujhse pyar hi kyu krte ho?

Maan : Geet ye tum kya keh rhi ho?

Geet : sach! Warna ap mera make-over kyu karaoge?

Maan : that's not a make-over jaan. Just a bit of pampering!

Geet : pampering? Mujhe laga make-over he. Isliye I got a bob-cut and a tattoo also.

Maan was alarmed, "you didn't! Geet did you really?

Geet : how about a surprise..

Maan : you know what, no matter whatever you do, I will love you always!!!

Geet : sach me?

Maan : try me!

Yogesh took Geet to the Khurana's private airport. Maan was on a call as Geet stared at him puzzled. As soon as he saw her, he stopped his conversation mid-way his eyes taking her form like capturing a photograph. His body had a mind of its own. It was reacting in ways stranger to Maan himself. He wanted to take her in his embrace right at that moment and steal her from the whole world. It took all of his self-control to greet her with just a smile and a causal hug. He gulped as his eyes fell on her shapely long legs. He so wanted to..ok forget it. Lets give the poor guy some privacy..😳

He hand automatically wrapped around her waist.

Maan : Ready for the trip?

Geet : not until you tell me where!

Maan : Goa!!

Geet : Goa! Haye babajiii.. dadima puchegi to me kya karungi...aur raat ko me..ap..hum..Maan nhi mujhe ghar jaana he abhi..raat bhar bina bataye ghar se baahr wo bhi Goa..chi chiii...

Maan : Geet, me hu na..ab chalo!

His eyes were so warm and trusting that she nodded and followed him meekly.

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PRECAP : meeting someone @ Goa 😉