MG FF THE DIVINE FLOWER : thread 3 : PART 51 : pg 115 20th Nov2016 - Page 45

Maan was standing on the long narrow verandah of the servant quarter. He was wearing a grey sweatshirt along with white track pants. It was really cold out there but that was not the only reason that kept him awake. He couldn't stop thinking about Geet. The more he thought what she went through the more responsible he felt for her pain. He was desperate to do something that would make her feel better. He just didn't know what to do. Staying in this tiny room won't do that, he knew. But it made him feel better. Served him right for letting his angels stay in this room while he seethed in hatred. His heart trembled when he thought little Mia and Geet sleeping in this tiny room. All these luxuries seemed pointless when it was no use to your loved ones. He had scarred them for a lifetime. Geet lived in the fear of being trashed by him any moment and Mia always worried that something she did or said would upset him and he would leave them like he did before. If he only knew how to let them know what all he would do to see them just being themselves and happy all the time. He realised that tears were rolling down his eyes. He didn't fight them. Those tears ought to be shed or it won't let him live peacefully.

Lisa was out in the garden with her coat on. Unlike Geet she was suffering a bit more from the jet lag. The Indian weather and time was yet to grow on her. She wasn't used to all this. The past few days had been hectic enough. She kept out of all those issues as she knew this was something that Maan and Geet needed to sort out themselves. Geet could choose to forgive him or leave him. Either way she would be with Geet because little Mia was her only priority and it went without saying that Mia would accompany her mom. In spite of it Lisa knew that Geet was never the one to hold a grudge against anyone, let alone Maan. It was a sensible thing that she did, not as a lover but as a mother. With all these thoughts in her mind, Lisa spotted a tall dark figure in the dim light of the verandah which was a few feet away from the garden. She took a few steps forward careful enough that the man didn't spot her and realised it was Maan. Not wanting to startle him she was about to leave when she saw him crying. It wasn't just a soft whimper or anything but this strong young man was crying his heart out. Before her rational mind could judge anything she went near him and stood patiently till he finished. It was when Maan sniffed and turned he saw Lisa standing next to him with an affectionate look. He should have felt offended but strangely enough, her presence seemed to comfort him.

Lisa said in a neutral tone, " You know I have always thought that Geet is mad enough to love someone so much..I mean the way she loves you, have always made me feel like that about her. Guess she is not the only one..."

Maan looked at her as if for some sort of explanation.

Lisa : The one who is madly in love, I mean.

She smiled and saw that the end of his lips twitched hinting a faint smile.

Maan : If only I knew what to do..I would do anything for her. Just so that she feels good..not because I want to gain her trust again but the trust if returned would make her happy. I know that because she is not able to decide if she loves me..but she can't help the way she feels about me. I want it all to be as genuine as it should be.

Lisa : You understand that it is not an easy task, don't you?

Maan looked at her with hope : You can help me!

Lisa : Me?

Maan : You are the one who can tell me her side of the story. May be I would know what to do after that.

Lisa : Since you are asking I know what you have to do..

Maan : really? Then why are you not saying that?

Lisa : It won't be easier..

Maan : I will do anything..

Lisa : Anything? Even if that means you have to beg in front of other people?

Maan hesitated, " what do you mean?"

Lisa : see I told you..you cannot.

Maan : Fine, anything..even if that means begging in the streets..

Lisa laughed, "I didn't mean literally begging in the streets. You have even difficult task to do."

Maan : what exactly is that?

Lisa : You have to inform Mira's parents about their granddaughter and..break the news of her death to them.

Maan stood there in silence.

Lisa continued and told all about the days when Mira fell in love with Dev and how she contacted Geet and asked her to be discreet. Maan could relate everything now. Those were the days when they drifted apart. The day he found out that she lied. Her tensions whenever he mentioned Dev's wedding. The day when she met him in California was the one when Mia was born. It all made sense now. His naive Mishty who didn't want to live so far away from him had to go through all this alone. And he just left her. When Lisa concluded, Maan knew it that he had to do this for his Mishty.

Maan : I will go and meet them.

*******

Ami was hopping up and down supporting her walking stick. Her feet were getting much better with all the extra care that she got in the mansion. It's been a month since they all started living together in the mansion. Maan made sure that Ami got admission in the same prestigious school where they both studied. It was her first day in the school. Geet was more tensed than any of them. Even Ami seemed relaxed compared to her. Maan tried his best to reassure her but all he got in return was an angry glare. Finally Maan had to talk to the principal and made arrangements so that Lisa could stay back at the school and have an eye on Ami until she becomes completely fine.

Maan : ab khush?

Geet pouted, "mazaak lagta he na apko? I have studied in such a school. I know how the kids here are like. Agar kisi ne meri bachi ko bully krne ki koshish ki na..to uski khair nhi!!

Maan crossed his arms across his chest and enjoyed his Hoshiarpur express going on and on about their daughter.

Geet finally turned to look at him, "ap kya maze le rhe ho? Ab chaliye school warna late ho jayenge.."

Maan nodded obediently and followed her with a sigh of relief.

Once they dropped off Ami and Lisa at school, Maan kept stealing glances at Geet. Finally she realised and said aloud, "Maan ye hum kaha ja rhe he..mujhe laga hum ghar..mera matlab he apke ghar ja rhe he.."

Maan : he ek jagah jaha jaana zaruri he!

As they passed different lanes, Geet got tensed. She knew this place like the back of her hand. She had visited this place a lot of times. These lanes..these houses everything she knew. Her eyes welled up as it brought back the past memories. It were the memories of her best friend. A sorrow that she wasn't able to express out loud all these times. But it hid in the deep pits of her lonely heart. But now her heart was no more lonely. He was there to heal it. Yet she didn't find the courage to go to Mira's house, to face her family and say the truth. Geet felt shattered. She started pleading to Maan, "please Maan..don't do this!! I can't..nhi hoga ye mujse...pls wapas jaate he.."

Maan : You have to Geet and you can..trust me..

Geet : Maan mene kaha na..ap..ap nhi samajte..ye sab asaan nhi he..wo log mujhe kabhi maaf nhi karenge aur..Ami!!

Geet started palpitating now, "agar wo Ami ko mujhse dur kr denge to!!nhi Maan...hum wapas chalte he.."

With that she started meddling with the steering taking Maan by surprise. The car was about to hit a tree but Maan somehow found the brake. The car stopped just an inch away from the tree.

Maan looked at Geet who was still hyperventillating. He cupped her face lovingly and looked into her eyes : Mishty you need to do this. Me hu tumhare saath. Kuch nhi hoga..samjhi tum. Bas mere saath chalo.

Geet couldn't argue much after that. Maan parked the car outside the apartment on the area meant for visitors. Geet watched the kids playing in the park and a lump formed in her throat. This was the place where she used to have fun with Mira. Maan held his arm around her shoulder for support as he saw tears formed in her eyes. Geet could hear her heartbeat like drum rolls when they waited outside after ringing the doorbell. She didn't know how to face Mira's parents let alone telling them the truth. She feared for Ami..Her mind had a million thoughts running when the door opened and Mr. Sharma, Mira's father welcomed them with a warm smile. She looked around the interiors. Mr. Sharma being a retired air force man had kept the house well organised. Next minute Geet looked shocked when Mr. Sharma asked Maan, "hume laga tum log nhi aoge aj.."

Maan : Noo uncle, we just got stuck in the traffic

Geet raised her brows at Maan quizically. He assured her with a smile and made her take a seat on the leather sofa.

Mrs. Sharma came with a tray of hot ginger tea. She placed it ritually on the tepoy and sat next to Mr. Sharma. Her eyes had the clouds of sorrow. Geet felt restless as she could feel Mrs. Sharma's gaze on her even though her eyes were fixed on the ground.

And finally Mrs. Sharma spoke aloud, "in ladkiyo ki dosti mujhe kabhi samaj nhi ati thi...lekin ab pata chala ki humari bachi humse zyada Geet pe bharosa krti thi!!

Geet looked at the old lady bewildered. She knew!! And still she welcomed her into the house.

Geet murmured, "ap..apko kaise..mera matlab he..apko..."

Mr. Sharma : Maan ne bataya..gussa aya bohat..mene ghar se bahar nikaal diya tha isey on first day.. Lekin har din ye wait krta he outside our house. And I asked him wat he wants now. Then he said your forgiveness. And then I thought what was his fault in all this! And its not even your fault as well. It may seem difficult to understand but we didn't even bother to look out for our own daughter! And you two gave up your own life to bring up our grandchild!! (he chuckled) Atleast she has almost a normal life unless we enter it right??

Geet : ji wo..

Mr. Sharma : I understand..even though I know it is not the right way..things happened because they had to..This is her destiny..Amiya was born to be with you and ofcourse this gentleman here (pointing at Maan) I have seen the pride in his eyes as he spoke of..his daughter. Trust me, I'm a father though not a good one but I know that she is in safe hands..

Geet was lost for words. She tried to process the information one by one. She looked at Maan who was clearly uncomfortable by the open praises of the Sharma couple that continued as they explained how he made them understand everythig and how they are at peace now. But more than that the look in Geet's eyes made him flush with embarassment. By the time they left Mrs. Sharma held Geet's hand and said, "We know that we cant let her know who we are but..still..beta she is our poti..Can we see her from a distance if you think its alright..

Geet : aunty ap ye kya bol rhi he..Ami ko sach se me kabhi dur rakhna nhi chahti..lekin ye sab samajhne ki umar nhi he abhi uski. Me zarur apse usey milaungi..Maan aur me next time pakka Ami ko sath leke ayenge..

As the car moved ahead Geet saw the retreating figure of the old couple and felt as if her heart was relieved of a heavy stone.

Geet turned to Maan, "Thank You.."

He smiled and turned the car yet again to a different direction puzzling Geet even more...

*******

One month had passed but she felt as if it was more than a millenium. And why not! In the past month, her life had changed beyond imaginations. In just a day, all her luxuries had gone just like that. Her accounts froze, the luxury tour was cancelled due to some clauses in the terms and conditions leaving them homeless and no money to return. None of their mobile numbers were functioning and no one from family tried to make at least a contact. Nain Tara looked at her reflection in the mirror and the place that she lived now. It was a dingy dorm. Her face looked older and instead of some fancy designer outifit she was wearing a waitress uniform as she just came back from work. Thats right now she was waitressing at a countryside restaurant and Dev as always was not all making any efforts and would set out every day in the pertext of asking for hel from his friends. As expected her husband had only made the kind of friends who turned their backs at times like this. But she was not the one who gave up hope and resigned to fate. She was NT!! She wrote her own fate. And now with the money that she got NT managed to call her dad and arranged for the trip back to Delhi in a few weeks time. Once she reached home, she was for sure going to make life hell for Maan Singh Khurana and that lady love of his. NT knew for sure that this was all his doing. She didn't tell Dev everything. That had to be done very carefully and she knew how to play her cards and hit the Khuranas right below the belt. After ages of wait now the time has come that she reap the benefits of being a Khurana, a tag for which she had worked so hard.

NT : Maan Veerji apne pyar ke saath ek khubsurat zindagi ke sapne sawaar rhe honge ap. Apko laga hume yeha uljhane se sab khatam hoga? Agar sab kuch yuhi khatam krna tha to us Geet ko hum kab ka khatam kr chuke hote.. Ek baar hum waha pohunch jaye to aisa waar karenge ki apko zindagi bhar yaad rahega.. Tadap jayenge ap aur apna sab kuch khud mujhe denge Maan Veerji..

NT smirked as a plan formed in her head.

**********************************

Geet was getting restless. Yet again Maan was taking her to some unknown location. Hadn't she had enough for the day??

Geet complained, "ek to me yeha bhuk se mari ja rhi hu aur ap ho ki pata nhi kaha le ja rhe ho..Maan ye market area bhi nhi he..yeha ek restaurant bhi nhi milega.

Maan looked confused, "tumhe sach me bhuk lag rhi he Geet? Abhi thodi der pehle Sharma uncle ke ghar se tum itna thuske ayi ho...

Geet looked at him accusingly, "itna bhi kya kha liya waha se.. Wo to bas aunty ka mann rakhne ke liye thodi kachori, pakode, cookies aur samose khaye..issey kiska pet bharega?? Aur unko bura bhi lag jaata na agar me bhi kuch nhi khati..ap to waise bhi kuch nhi khate..

Maan : Geet me healthy khaata hu..

Geet : meri abhi ye umar nhi hui ki sirf ghaas phus khau..

Maan : matlab meri umar ho gayi? Buddha lagta hu me, huh Geet?

Geet : wo ap hi jaano...mujhe lunch krna he bas..

Maan : bas 10 min aur..

Geet : ab aur kaha jaana he Maan? Sach me I can't take anymore today!!

Maan : I know..isi liye socha ki thodi der tum sabse dur thoda relax karo..waise bhi ghar me abhi jaogi tum aur dukhi ho jaogi aur ye me nhi dekh sakta Geet..

Geet : uske liye ye Vasant Kunj tak drive krne ki kya zarurat he Maan wo bhi is traffic me..Kahi India Gate hi chalte..

Maan: jaisi apki farmaish sahiba.. India Gate bhi chalenge lekin kisi aur din..aj hum..

The car took a sharp turn inside another residential area and the guards saluted Maan as they saw him. He parked his car on a spot as if it was some regular place. Geet still looked at him not able to make out anything.

Maan opened the door for her and said with a grin, "apka apne ghar me swaagat he.."

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PRECAP : Ami angry @ Maaneet!! 😕 😳