FF: Forever and Always........THREAD 4 Updtd EPI/pg 41

"Hey Love!!!!"

Geet turned back to witness his deep eyes full of love for her. It felt amazing how he loves her a little more every day. They just started with their college yet the depth of their love always overwhelms her. Who says teenage love is weak and impulsive? Theirs were not.

Watching Geet stand and smile made him smile as he knew Geet was lost in him. He smiled endearingly and held her hand softly in his.

"Geet sweetheart!!! Where are you lost?"

Geet realized her absent mindedness and gave a cheeky smile in response.

"I need to leave Geet."

Geet's face was distressed at the thought. He was going to some other city to represent their college for inter-college quiz competition. Geet was no doubt proud of him. But she will miss him. He had been her best friend, companion, guide everything.

Geet whispered softly," I love you. I am going to soo miss you."

He smiled as he absorbed the feel of being loved and brought her near. He kissed her on her forehead and said in a deep voice," I love you too Geet. Don't miss me. I am always there in your heart. You will find me in the drizzling of rains, soft murmurs of winds, vast expanse of sea. Good bye dear."

He proceeded towards the departure gate to board his flight with others of his team. They were supposed to go for Bangalore.

Geet returned back to college. Yet her heart was not in peace. She felt something was wrong.

Meera came running inside her room. Something about her stance made Geet shudder. Meera stared at Geet trying to figure out the right words. How do you figure out words to give such news?

Geet asked in a tensed tone," What is it Meera? You are freaking me out."

Meera watched her trying to gauge her state of mind and said in a very soft voice," Armaan's flight crashed Geet. None survived. He is no more Geet."

The moment passed yet nothing changed. Geet did not cry, not even a word escaped her throat. She just stared unblinkingly.

And that day on 3rd February, two souls died. Armaan, the star student of XYZ Engineering College, lost his life in a flight crash along with many others. But Geet Handa died with him as well. Nobody ever saw her smile again. She was a living dead from that day...

Guys I am back with a new attempt. Depending on response I will make it FF or else SS. I know that this might be similar as many SS and FFs are there similar. But I will ask those who have issues to directly contact me in case they find the topic is similar to their FF or SS as I don't want any kind of issues regarding this. All I can say is this is slightly different from others...

Part 59

Geet was worried as she watched the Khurana villa in all its glory standing in front of her. This is the second time she is entering the villa but this time she knows the truth. And this time she is also the fiance to Maan.

She was nervous. What if Daadi misjudged her? After all she was once Armaan's girl friend? And right now she is with Maan. And she is from a broken family. Her parents had almost abandoned her from the time she was a third grader. She knows the truth and understands but still it does not make her any less unwanted as a prospective bride. She was basically a nobody'. Naintara is a freaking princess and she is as much of a commoner as possible.

Maan could feel Geet tense up.He knew a part of her heart is insecured about her relations. Her track record with her closed ones weren't that great even if there were reasons. Yes Geet did tell him in details about her meeting with her parents.

Turning her Maan placed a soft kiss on her lips almost taking away her tension. It was short and sweet. He hugged her after soothing her frayed nerves and said," Don't worry Mishty. Everything will be fine."

"What if Daadima doesn't like me or think that I am unfit to be a khurana bahu?"

"I am pretty sure mishty that Daadima is already thinking about wedding preparations. She loves you Mishty."

"What if..."

Maan looked at her and kept his thumb below her chin making her look at him in eyes. He tried putting utmost sincerity in his voice as he said," Geet listen to me very carefully. Stop thinking so less abut your self. You are an amazing person. You are smart, beautiful and have a magnaminous heart. Any guy would be lucky to have you and I thank my stars every moment that you chose me. I know Daadima would love you but if things don't turn out as we hoped we would convince her. Together don't you think we can manage it?"

Geet was suddenly filled with hope. They both have come a long way alone. They can surely find their way now that they are together.

With new found confidence Geet got down from the car and matched Maan's steps as they entered the khurana villa. Just like the first time Geet was once again blown away by the beauty of the place. The decor showed affluence but more than that aristrocracy. And there on the living room couch Savitri Devi was sitting reading through the morning newspaper.

Maan smiled and reached her and said," Good morning Daadima. "

A brilliant smile touched Savitri Devi's face as she stood up and Maan hugged her. The scene was so tender and heart warming that Geet teared up a bit. Beneath the facade of tough hardcore businessman is a soft man who is caring and compassionate in his every relation.

Meanwhile Savitri Devi had noticed Geet and leaving Maan she rushed forward to tackle her in a loving embrace. Geet's every fear and nervousness melted down and she teared up a bit only to feel Maan's rough fingers wiping them off.

SD:"We missed you Geet beta."

Geet:" I missed you too."

SD:" Come sit down. We have loads to talk I believe."

And so, they talked on and on about everything. An hour passed while daadi caught on with Geet's life. Finally Maan decided to broach the subject for which they were visiting.

Taking a deep breath he came and sat on the floor in front of Daadi bending his knees and keeping his hands on her lap. This had been Maan's habit from childhood whenenver he wanted to speak about some serious matter yet needed some emotional support.

Daadi:" What happened Maan? Is everything okay?"

Maan:" Daadi, I have told you everything regarding Geet and Amy. Recently she had forgiven me and we decided to start our journey or rather continue our journey. I...I proposed her yesterday night for marriage daadi and she accepted. We...we need your blessings daadi before we can start this beautiful journey."

Geet was squirming with anticipation trying to gauge Daadima's reaction. However daadima had an unreadable expression on her face. She caressed Maan's hair softly and spoke,"I want to speak with Geet alone beta before taking any decisions."

Geet followed Savitri Devi to the very room she had once visited before. It seemed like a dejavu. The studio was same and her painting was still there in all its glory. In fact the painting of Armaan's eyes that she and Maan had drawn was also hanging along with some other works of Savitri Devi. Geet was lost in the world of colors when Savitri Devi called her.

SD:" Geet beta."

Geet:" Huh!"

SD:" I like you beta. I had liked you right on your competition day when I knew nothing about you. And now I know everything. Maan told me everything after you left. So I wanted to talk to you before taking any decisions."

Geet:" Tell me daadima."

SD:" Do you love Maan? I know, there is something between you two. You have to be blind not to see the connection between you both. I had seen it when you both were painting that picture."

Geet was startled as Savitri Devi gestured towards the painting they both had drawn. They had been too lost in their own pain to notice anything that day.

"Beta, I see that you have a connection with Maan and may be a strong attraction for each other as well. But that maybe because Maan and Armaan had been similar. Maybe you loved Maan because he had certain qualities in common with Armaan. But I am not only Armaan's grand mother but Maan's as well. My Maan had bore many hardships, more than his fair share to be frank. So I need you to understand my perspective. I can't let Maan marry you if you don't love him for himself. So I want to know. Think carefully beta and answer me, do you love the real Maan or just the part of him which reminds you of Armaan?"

Geet smiled. She had understood daadima perfectly. After all it was the same turmoil that had affected her for past six months before she realized that the answer was in her heart all along.

Taking a deep breath Geet chuckled softly before answering," I knew I would have to answer this question either to Maan or someone from his side. The question had kept me sleepless many nights before I realized the answer. Daadi, when I first met Maan I did feel that he reminded me a lot of Armaan as if they were connected some way. Of course I hadn't imagined this connection then. You say if I loved Maan because of Armaan. Yes they are similar but different too. Armaan had beautiful chestnut brown eyes while Maan's are deep pool of chocolate. Armaan's eyes were full of life and mischief while Maan's gives asurity and shows maturity. Maan can paint so beautifully that the picture comes to life while Armaan can't even draw a straight line without scale to save his life. Armaan was the pampered son of wealthy parents who had always been protected while Maan is the elder son who had always made sacrifices to help his family be happy. Armaan hated rains while Maan is as passionate about rain as he is about painting. "

Geet took a deep breath. There were some more prominent differences of Maan and Armaan like how Armaan had been a soft kisser while Maan was a hungry lion even if he can be soft and sweet if the situation demanded. However that's not something you can speak about to an elder.

Geet smiled and looked at Savitri Devi in her eyes as she continued," I don't love Maan because he has some qualities similar to Armaan. In fact I fell in love with the part of Maan that's unique to him. I love Maan, irrevocably. I couldn't stop loving him when I was holding him responsible for Armaan's death...how can someone not love him? He is just so...I don't know if you believ me or not daadi but I love Maan and I don't think I can live without him. At least after...after Armaan I was functioning. But this last seven-eight months, I had barely functioned. Each second was like hell. I don't know what would have happened if Armaan was alive. But somewhere in my heart I feel Maan and I, we are destined to be together."

Savitri Devi had keenly observed Geet while she was answering. The way every time her face lit up and eyes sparkled when she uttered Maan's name had been the answer to her question. However Geet's reply took way any semblance of doubt from her mind. She embraced Geet and said," Welcome to the family Beta."

Maan had played cool in front of Geet but he was nervous as well. He had never done anything against his grandmother's wish. What if she said no?

It seemed like hours passed before both ladies emerged into the living-room. Their expressions were unreadable while his daadima was looking sternly at him.

SD:" You Mr. Khurana, come here!"

Savitri Devi was watching amusedly as her eldest grandson gulped and came near her with a fearful expression. Who would say he was the co-MD to one of the most successful group of companies in India and world. Keeping her expressions unchanged She continued," I had a talk with Geet. I know what you did."

Maan:" What did I do? Geet, what did you tell her?"

SD:" Stop glaring at the poor girl Maan. She was nervous and all red because of you."

Maan:" Daadima I...wait a minute, red?"

SD:" Well she was blushing badly. Look at her, she resembles a tomato. I know it's all your doing."

Maan:" DAADIMA!!"

Maan shouted exasperated knowing his daadima was pulling his legs. Daadima stood up and took bth their hands and joined them. Then she placed a kiss on each of their forehead before smiling and speaking," I am very happy for you both beta. And I couldn't have found a better life partner for you other than Geet even if I tried. You both deserve each other beta. I only have one request from you Geet."

Geet:" Please tell me daadima. "

SD:" After years I found my grandson I had lost when he was burdened with responsibilities. Please don't let him get lost again. "

Geet:" I promise daadima."

They both were having lunch with daadima soon. Daadima was already planning a lavish wedding for her eldest grandson when Maan stopped her and said," Daadima I have a request."

SD:" What is it beta?"

Maan:" Please keep the wedding either in November end or first week of December."

SD:" But beta that will give us so much less time for preparation."

Maan:" I have reason for saying this. Geet's college is going to start in next April ( I don't know if MIT allows spring admission but I am taking a liberty here). I don't want the wedding to be in next year so she will not be in hassle. Also, as you know that Dev and Naina had already postponed their wedding for us. I want us to be married by December first week and we can keep Dev and Naina's marriage mid feb so that there's a nice gap of two months and Geet will be accustomed and can help you as well. That way Naina and Dev won't have to wait till Geet's semester break for their marriage."

Dev and Naina were also present and were overwhelmed at the care of their elder brother. Geet however was grumpy and said," What do you mean by my college Maan?"

Maan:" I know you got through to MIT. You are being sponsored by Amy's trust remember?"

Geet:" I am not going anywhere leaving you."

Dev:" Are you mad Geet? Students everywhere wait for a chance at MIT and you want to throw yours away?"

Naina:" I understand you would miss Maan veerji and us but Geet, Dev is right. You cannot miss that chance. We will not allow it."

SD:" Beta, you are not only Maan's would be but like my daughter now. I won't allow you to spoil such opportunity."

So dates were fixed for both the weddings. Maaneet would be married on 15th December(my parents wedding anniversary ;))and Naina and Dev would be married on valentines day. They decided to book a wedding planner as only three months were left for the big day. But Geet was grumpy all the while. SD ordered Maan to come and stay in the khurana villa so Geet can stay at the penthouse.

It was time for Maan to drop Geet so both started their journey. Finally Maan stopped the car at the side and asked," What is wrong with you Mishty?"

"I dont' want to stay away from you Maan. Why don't you understand?"

"Do you trust me Mishty?"

"I trust you Maan."

"Then trust me that you don't have to stay a single day away from me."

And with a devilish smile he captured her lips for a soul searing kiss which she responded to with equal fervor pulling his hairs and scratching him trying to bring him as much near as they would be allowed to while in the car.