Milestone SS on Maan's Memory Loss Track Epilogue/Pg 85 Dt 18/03/'15 - Page 4

PART 1

KHURANA MANSION

[Maan's POV]

Today doesn't seem my day! First I didn't sleep a wink last night due to my guilt, finally giving up I headed to do my workout but couldn't concentrate at all and now my morning coffee tastes horrible! I practically terrified Nakul in my rage but his reply left me tongue-tied, enlightening me that Geet prepares my coffee everyday. I smiled as now I know the reason why my coffee tastes the same at home as well as in the office.

But my smile disappeared with the mere mention of Geet's name. Soon all the recent events flashed in my eyes making me realize I had been so mean and indifferent towards Geet. Geet always stood by me, put up with my worst behavior, never uttered a word against me. Inspite of all still she silently kept performing all the duties of a wife and I...

But now no more!

I hurried down the steps looking out for Geet but she was nowhere to be found. I bumped into Dadimaa who looked at me questioningly to which I replied.

"Woh Dadimaa...Geet kahan hain?" Her surprised face was quickly replaced in a worried expression. I understood her fear and eased her.

"Woh mujhe Geet se...ek project ke baarein mein discussion karna hain." She smiled and we moved towards the dinning area for breakfast. I thought maybe Geet as usual might be preparing breakfast for all. Everybody except Geet were seated at the table . Reading my thoughts Dadimaa spoke.

"Maanbete...Geet toh office chali gayi hain. Actually kal raat hamaare ek bahot khaas client ka phone aaya tha, issiliye Geet subah jaldi chali gayi. Aap unse office mein hi mil lijiyega." She informed me.

"Hmm.." I nodded.

Everybody was having their breakfast in silence the tension of last nights events was quite evident, making me feel all the more guilty to have messed up our family function due to my irrational temper. I felt choked and decided to leave for office but suddenly cutting through this silence Nanintara spoke.

"Maan Veerji, Dadimaa...woh hum poora din ghar mein akele akele bore ho jaate hain, toh hum soch rahe the, kya hum bhi Geet ki tarah office join kar sakte hain..." Before she could continue further Dadimaa interrupted.

"Geet Parjaayiji...bolne ki aadat daal lijiye Naintara!...Aap ki jethani hain woh, toh zara tameez se baat kijiye." Dadimaa curtly answered.

Naintara's face seemed as if someone had just slapped her tight on her face. I guess these were the after effects of yesterdays showdown and Dadimaa seemed all set to give her fitted reply this time.

My phone buzzed and I excused myself. Aadi had called up to inform me of an important meeting, I finished the call and walked back to the table to take leave from Dadimaa when their heated conversation caught my attention.

"Naintara...Bro chahe bhool gaye ho...par tumhe toh yaad hi hoga ke Bro ne kis tarah tumhe saare staff ke saamne dhakke maar ke Khurana Constructions ki office se bahar nikala tha! Kyun bekaar mein wahan jaake dobara apni beizzati karwana chahti ho."

"Dev aap..." But cut her off raising his hand signalling her to hear him out.

"Meri baat abhi poori nahi hui hain Naintara toh ab jo main bol raha hoon usse dhyaan se suno...Agar bhool gayi ho toh main tumhe yaad dila doon ke, arrest hone ke darr se tumne khud mere saare shares, jo dhoke se tumne apne naam kar liye the woh wapas lauta diye the. Issiliye ab KC main tumhara kuch nahi hain."

"Ek aur baat...tumhaare saare cases aaj bhi pending hain, mera ek phone call tumhe tumhari sahi jagah...I mean to say 'jail'...pohucha dega. Toh tum office jaane ke baarein mein sochna bhi mat, kyun ki agar Bro haan kar bhi de toh bhi main tumhe KC mein ghus ne nahi doonga. Samjhi tum." Dev warned her. Naintara's face lost colour hearing Dev's words.

All his words jolting me to the reality! The volume of facts which I'm ignorant about are increasing by leaps and bounds. I chose to ignore all this for time being as right now my only priority was to apologize to Geet. But I need to find answers to all my questions that too by myself and I willl do it my way!

KHURANA CONSTRUCTIONS

[Maan's POV]

Too many things happening at the same time were confusing me! I was lost in my thoughts throughout the drive to office, only when the driver informed me did I realized we had reached KC. For the first time I was skeptical to enter my own office, the mere thought of apologizing to Geet was making me, Maan Singh Khurana nervous. Gathering myself and with determination I walked in making a mental note that I had to do apologize today!

I made my way to the reception to inquire about Geet and a terrified Pinky mumbled to me that she was in the archive with Aadi. I headed towards the archive and was about to enter in when their conversation halted my steps.

"Aadi sir aaj ki meeting ke liye saara paperwork ready hain lekin...Maan?" Geet nervously spoke.

"Matlab?"Aadi seemed puzzled and I was intrigued to know what she meant.

"Hum Maan ko kya kahenge? Subah main unhe disturb nahi karna chahti thi issliye bina bataye office aa gayi lekin ab meeting ke liye kya kahenge." She voiced out her concern. Now leaving both Aadi and me confused!

"He he he...Geet saaf saaf batao tum kehna kya chahti ho?" Aadi finally spoke my mind.

"Aadi sir aap bhi na...Main wahan akeli jaa nahi sakti aur agar Maan ko saath le gayi toh pata nahi Maan wahan kaise react karenge. Iss project ko hum dono ne mil kar design kiya tha aur ab clients issi ghar mein kuch extention karna chahte hain jo Maan ki guidance or instructions ke bina namumkin (impossible) hain. Pehle baat aur thi lekin ab unhe kuch yaad nahi hain! " Aadi smiled and calmed her.

Her statement rubbed me the wrong way!

Here I'm feeling guilty and trying to apologize to her and she thinks that due to my memory loss I'm no longer competent to handle this project! How dare she... Getting a grip over my temper I decided to wait and hear all what she thinks about me. These women...

Aadi's voice called for my attention.

"Geet...Maan sir ko shayad iss project ke baarein mein yaad na ho lekin construction se related koi bhi details mein Maan Singh Khurana is the best!"

I felt so proud hearing Aadi but Geet's next set of words felt like a slap hurled on my face. Once again I misunderstood her!

"Aadi sir aap samajh nahi rahe hain, baat Maan ke capabilities ki hain hi nahi...Baat unn ehsaas ki hain jo iss project se jude hue hain! Maan kal bhi, aaj bhi aur hamesha se perfect the, hain aur rahenge!" She affirmed shocking me.

"Toh phir problem kya hain Geet?" Aadi asked perplexed. Geet ruefully smiled and elaborated.

"Yeh "Pyaar ka Ghar' na sirf Mr & Mrs D'mello balke Maan aur mere ehsaason se bhi juda hua hain. Iss ghar ke zariye (medium) Maan aur maine ne ek doosre se apne dil ki baat kahi thi. Pyaar kya maayne rakhta hain...saath kaisa hona chahiye...rishtey ki neev kitni mazboot hogi...Iss makaan ko humne 'Pyaar ka Ghar' banaya tha! Par ab Maan ko kuch yaad nahi hain, woh ehsaas kahin kho gaye hain." A tear rolled down from her eyes and it pricked my heart!

"Don't worry Geet...Maan Sir kabhi apni personal aur professional life ko mix nahi karte. I'm sure koi problem nahi hogi! Infact ho sakta hain ke 'Pyar ke Ghar' ko dekh kar Maan Sir ko kuch yaad aa jaaye." Aadi said placing his hand on her shoulder and tried to comfort her but she seemed lost in her thoughts.

"Kya baat hain Geet...tum itni pareshaan kyun ho? Tum toh hamesha doosron ko haunsla (strength) deti ho, phir aaj kyun...Apne bhai ko nahi bataogi." Aadi's statement cleared the whole picture for me.

I had always noticed and felt Aadi and Geet share a very special bond! Infact when I had accused Geet of morphing those marriage photos and compelled her to leave Khurana Mansion. Aadi too had strongly reacted, not once caring that he may loose his job in the bargain. But now slowly all these pieces are falling in place. So much that I have missed on, so much that I'm not aware of, so much that I need to know!

"Pata nahi Aadi sir lekin har beet te din ke saath meri himmat toot rahi hain. Maan ki aankhon mein apne liye itni nafrat main nahi dekh sakti...bahot takleef hoti hain...dard hota hain yeh dekh ke...jo insaan meri zindagi jeene ki wajah tha aaj uski zindagi mein meri liye koi jagah nahi...Jo meri aankh mein ek aansoon nahi dekh sakta tha aaj woh mera chehra tak nahi dekhna chahta...Kitne paas ho kar bhi kitne door ho gaye hain hum...saath ho kar bhi saath nahi...Itna akelapan toh tab bhi mahsoos nahi hua jab main akeli ghar chodhkar Delhi aayi thi!" She bare her heart out.

"Woh issliye Geet kyun ke Maan Sir the tumhaare saath...har kadam par...har mod par aur mujhe tumhaare Babaji par poora vishwaas hain ke bahot jald sab theek ho jayega." He assured her.

I know eavesdropping is not good but I don't have any other option. In my presence all of them avoid any discussions regarding the past or change the topic. But if I need to probe in and hunt out all the facts I have to be part of such conversations by hook or crook. I looked up and shot a quick prayer to Geet's Babaji.

"Sorry Babaji lekin kuch dino tak mujhe issi tarah, chup chup inn sab ki baatein sun ni hogi tab hi main saari sacchaai jaan paaunga."

I straightened myself finally entering the archive and caught both of them off guard! As expected they changed the topic and tried to appear normal. Geet masked her pain yet again and Aadi started fumbling trying to distract me but all three of us knew which storm was individually brewing within us!

"Kya baat hain tum dono yahan archive mein kya kar rahe ho?" I feigned ignorance and they seemed relieved that I hadn't heard them little did they know I had heard everything. Geet was quick to cover up.

"Kuch nahi Maan...woh hume abhi ek important meeting ke liye jaana hain, hum ussi ka paperwork taiyaar kar rahe the. Chaliye hume late ho raha hain. Main car mein aap ko saari details samjha doongi." Not giving me any chance to react she grabbed my arm and we headed out.

Finally we both are going out alone so not wasting this chance today I will surely apologize to her!

SOMEWHERE

[Maan's POV]

We were heading back to Delhi. Our meeting with Mr & Mrs D'mello went off very well almost everything was finalized! Our family have known them since years all thanks to Dadimaa! But what truly surprised me was the bond Geet shared with them. They were so much at ease together just like friends! There wasn't a slightest formality between them. Like sensing my dazed state, the couple who was now going the family way enlightened me on the time they spent with us last year that how Geet and I were an integral part of their 5th Anniversary celebration.

As we toured around the house I realised that Geet was aware of each nook and corner of the place but ofcourse we had designed it but still it did feel just like home!

I was appalled to see 'Pyaar ka Ghar'!

The sight was truly heart warming, the place held such positive vibes, a sense of calm settled over my restless soul. The construction, the layout, the colours all spoke the language of love! The drawing room was my favorite! The whole place was so vibrant yet calm, the adjoining terrace where one could sit below the moonlight and spend some quiet blissful moments in the arms of your love! The room with a wall on just one side and all other sides were enveloped with large glass windows filling the whole place with natural light. It was truly soul stirring!

Now I could clearly relate to Geet's words back in the archive

" 'Pyaar ka Ghar' hamaare ehsaason se juda hua hain!"

I just couldn't believe during our conversation regarding the extension plan when Mr D'mello suggested something I quickly ruled out the idea as that would block natural light coming in the room, it would ruin the beauty of the place specially the night ambience of the room which they had specifically loved the most when constructed.

Three of them looked at me agape! Only then did I realize that I had subconsciously spoke out something which I wasn't aware of now!

Geet immediately queried. "Maan aap ko kaise yaad hain yeh saari baatein?"

"Pata nahi Geet, par aisa laga ke main iss jagah ko jaanta hoon!" I honestly answered and she beamed with happiness.

We would soon be reaching Delhi and thereby back home and in todays hectic schedule I couldn't talk to Geet nor got a chance to apologize. Geet seemed really happy today specially after the meeting. This was the correct time to make amends.

'Its now or never Maan, agar aaj nahi bol paaya toh dobara mauka mile na mile.'

I reminded myself of the task ahead. Glancing around I noticed something and pulled up the brakes. Geet looked at me surprised as I abruptly stopped the car.

"Geet mujhe tumse ek zaroori baat karni hain." I stated and suddenly I could see fear building up in her eyes. The amount of damage my behavior had caused was clearly evident on her face. I'm sure she was scared that taking advantage of us being alone I will again utter something really mean to her.

I was truly ashamed of myself to have hurt her so much and falling prey to Naintara's schemings.

KHURANA MANSION

[Naintara's POV]

A lot has changed since I returned to Khurana Mansion, specially my so called husband who in the company of Maan and Geet has not only started thinking smartly but also back answering me. But yesterday night he crossed all limits of my tolerance. He slapped me! In so many years of our married life he had never ever raised his voice on me but since Geet came in our lives everything is ruined!

If that wasn't enough today on the breakfast table Dadimaa and Dev both teamed up and insulted me in front of those down market Geet's relatives, it was so humiliating! Luckily Maan Veerji wasn't there so I am safe for time being but I can't afford to waste anymore time, yesterdays events has surely rung the warning bell and Maan Veerji will no more ignore the happenings. Before he starts digging the past I have to implement my plan!

Geet is the most vulnerable and an easy target, she is the biggest weakness of these Khurana's! If I strike at her all the others will be affected, this will give me a chance to set my plot. All of them have teamed up against me and insulted me a lot.

Now its my turn and I will give them all a fitted reply!

Luckily I got hold of an perfect opportunity! Dadimaa was out to visit one of her old friend and the Amritsar party too was nowhere to be seen thereby leaving an open ground for me set up my next step. I sent Nakul to the market on an excuse to fetch some groceries so that I could prepare special dinner for everyone. Once both Dadimaa and Nakul were out I ordered the all the servants to clean up the room.

"Dev aap ne hume office aane se roka na ab dekhiye main aaj iss ghar mein aisa tamasha karungi ke aap soch bhi nahi sakte. Hamaare ek hi vaar se aap sab tadpoge. Thapad maara tha aapne hume...ab hum bina haath uthaye aisa thapad maarenge ke uski goonj poore Khurana parivaar ko sunaai degi!" I vowed to myself.

I was standing near the door supervising the servants who were busy clearing all the trash accumulated in the room. Just to execute my plan I had to stand around this filthy room to keep a watch on these servants who are very loyal to the Khurana's. I had be careful as this would my first direct attack on Khurana's!

Ofcourse I will feign ignorance thereafter and also pretend to be sorry for the mess which I have intentionally done! I mentally patted myself for this superb plan. Few days ago Nakul had left the room door open, I had ventured in and found the weapon of my interest but right now I had to act fast before anybody arrives. These good for nothing servants are working at a snail's pace. All they did in past few hours is carried few things and lined them up in the corridor. I needed to get rid of these things as soon as possible.

'Tabhi toh asli mazaa aayega!'I smirked to myself.

We were running out of time and loosing all my patience I shouted at them.

"Jaldi jaldi haath chalao, poora din nahi hain hamaare paas...samjhe." But it fell on deaf ears. Finally taking the matter in my hands I entered in the room to get done with work quickly but one fool dropped a paint container on me. I was covered from head to toe with the sticky, stinky white paint.

"Yuck!!!! Bewakoof yeh kya kiya tumne..." I burst out on him. He started pleading and apologizing but right now I couldn't stand this stink and at once rushed out the room.

[Deepak's (servant) POV]

When Naintara madam deliberately made excuses and forced Nakul to go to the market making him suspicious about her intentions. He had specifically warned me to be careful and inform him incase she is upto something. But as soon as Nakul left she ordered us all to clean the room and stood supervising us not giving me a chance to call him.

We all pretended to work but actually we were buying time so that Nakul is back and Madam's dirty plan to trouble everybody is foiled. Dadimaa, Geet madam and Dev sir had clearly instructed us to keep a good watch on her. We had to get her out of here any how so we can inform Nakul in time about her plan. When she walked inside the room I quickly signaled Vinod who stood on the stool with a paint container to pour down all the paint on her and finally we succeeded.

Time for the next step!

"Rajkumar tum jao aur water supply ka main valve bandh kar do. Jab tak Nakul ya ghar ka koi aur member nahi aa jaata Naintara madam bathroom se bahar nahi aani chahiye. Chandu tum unke room ke bahar hi rehna aur unpe nazar rakkhna. Main abhi Nakul ko phone kar deta hoon." I guided them.

SOMEWHERE

[Geet's POV]

The recent happenings and the hatred for me in Maan's eyes had compelled me to give up all hope!

But we had to pretend being together just for Dadimaa's health and her happiness, but today Maan's statement regarding the design of 'Pyaar ka Ghar' pumped in a new zeal of hope in me. It seemed like a ray of faint light in the darkness!

I shot a quick prayer thanking my Babaji!

We were heading back home when suddenly Maan pulled up the car and said he needed to talk to me. A sudden fear gripped my heart! What was on his mind...Had Naintara planned a new plot...Was he angry on something...Thousands of questions raided my mind all of a sudden!

Like sensing my state he blinked his eyes in assurance and spoke calmly.

"Geet mujhe tumse ek zaroori baat karni hain." He got down from the car and walked upto my side opening my door and waiting for me to get out. My face giving out my mind. He forwarded his hand and we walked ahead only then did I realize where we were! Unknowingly a smile graced my lips and Maan looked at me surprised. He raised his brow in curiosity and I just nodded in a no.

As we settled down, he seemed in deep thoughts looking ahead. I slowly asked keeping my voice normal.

"Maan kya baat hain?" He looked at me for a moment and then turned again and spoke.

"Geet main jaanta hoon ke mere accident ke baad maine tumhare saath bahot bura behave kiya hain, tumhe sab ke saamne kay baar insult kiya hain aur kal raat bhi..." He paused for a moment.

"Mera yakeen mano Geet main jaan bujh kar aisa nahi karta aur naa hi main tumhe chot pohuchana chahta hoon. Roz main apne aap se ek jung ladta rehta hoon ke mujhe kuch yaad aa jaaye, koi ek umeed ki kiran nazar aaye lekin... sirf andhera nazar aata hain!" A tear slipped off his eyes and I on a reflex couldn't help but wiped it.

He turned to me and something in his eyes held me captive, something stirred in me but couldn't comprehend what! Its even difficult for me to think in that direction in this present scenario. He tenderly held my hand and added.

"Aur apni issi frustration mein, apna saara gussa tum par nikalta raha. Main khud hamaari shaadi, humaara rishta aur tumhaare liye apni feelings ko leke itna confused tha ke samjh hi nahi paaya tum pe kya beet rahi hogi. Jaane - anjaane tumhe takleef pohuchata raha. Geet...I'm so sorry!"

I kept my palm on his lips nodding a no. I can never see him in so much pain but he removed my hand and continued.

"Geet aaj main tumse vaada karta hoon main poori koshish karunga iss rishtey ko nibhane ki, sirf Dadimaa ke liye nahi balke hamaare liye bhi. Bas mujhe kuch waqt chahiye taake main apne sawaalon ke jawaab dhoondh saku." He confessed his inner turmoil and for a moment I was stunned.

Reluctantly cupping his face in my palms I tried to comfort him.

"Maan...main jaanti hoon aap kabhi mujhe jaan-bujh ke hurt nahi kar sakte, main samajhti hoon ke aap ko hamaare rishtey, hamaari shaadi ki koi baat yaad nahi hain aur mujhe aap se koi shikayat bhi nahi hain. Mujhe apne Babaji par poora yakeen hain ke ek din aap ko sab kuch yaad aa jaayega." I voiced out my feelings.

"Kal raat ko meri himmat toot ne lagi thi, aisa laga shayad ab sab khatam ho gaya hain lekin aaj Babaji ne phir se ek umeed ki roshni jaga di hain. Aaj apko 'Pyaar ke Ghar' se judi kuch baatein yaad aayi aur ab aap ne apni dil ki baat kehne ke liye, yehi jagah chuni." I stated.

"Matlab?" He asked perturbed.

"Maan...humaari first official date ke liye hum yahin aaye the. Issi jagah hamaare rishtey ki shuruaat hui thi, hum ne ek dusre se apni dil ki baat kahi thi aur zindagi ke har utaar-chadaav mein ek dusre ka saath dena ka vaada kiya tha!"

"Aur dekhiye Maan...aaj aap ne anjaane mein bhi yehi jagah chuni apne dil ki baat kehne ke liye, hamaare rishtey ki ek nayi shuruaat karne ke liye. Meri zindagi toh aap se hi shuru hote hain aur aap pe hi khatam...Main uss din ka intezaar karungi jab aap khud iss rishtey ko dil se apnayenge." I divulged.

A shrill ring of my phone broke our moment!

I hated this interruption but my screen flashed 'Nakul' and I immediately received the call as Nakul would only call me from his cell incase of any emergency. And now all I could say to Maan was...

"Maan hume abhi ghar jaana hoga!"

PRECAP - Naintara's plan! 😒