GHSP 7 th Year Anniversary Celebration - Page 9

By priya_21

You disturb me so much geet , now I get time to take revenge

Geet : maan aaj hi aapki car kharab hone thi

Maan : geet you not know today is very special day

Geet : maan you making fun of me

Maan : meri itni himmat mein geet khurana ko kuch kahu

Geet : better

.

Maan : geet tum yhui ruko

Mein dekhta hu koi help mil jaaye

Geet : mein yaha akele

Maan : geet toh kissi cheez se nhi darti

Ya tum

Geet : mein kyun darungi

.

Maan : good

***********

Geet : ye maan abhi tak aaye kyun nhi

Geet abhi unhe 5 minute bhi nhi huyi

Aur tu darr rhi hai

.

Aane do inhe

Inki kher nhi

Koi apni biwi ko yu yaha akele chodke jaata hai

.

Suddenly she hears some scared voice...

Kaun hai waha

.

Maan aap hai

.

Again same voice she hears , she take few steps but then take back due to fear...

Aaltu jalaal tu

Aayi bala ko taal tu

.

She clutched dupatta tightly , from fear tears come in her eyes ... suddenly she bumped with someone and screamed

.

Geet it's me

Maan

.

He held her arms , now he feel bad to see her tears

.

Maan kaha chale gye the aap

Yaha bhut hai

Maan : geet koi bhut nhi hai

Wo mein mjak kr rha tha tumse

.

Fear turned into anger, she pushed his hand.

Maan : yaar sorry

.

Geet

Maan : geet please

.

Geet : nhi

Maan : sorry

He held both ears but how her wife going to leave this chance...

Geet : ase nhi

Maan : fir kaise

Geet : start sit up and down

Maan : what

Geet : yes

Wo bhi 100

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

by sanjana

Dil Hi To Hai

(Disclaimer-The story is based on a medical back ground..I don't know anything about the medical science..Everything here is factitious and don't relate it with medical terms)

Chapter-1

At Mumbai in a famous Hospital's OT

Dr. Maan Khurana The Most famous cardiac surgeon of the city was operating his patient.. He was very critical and was brought there almost in dying condition.. Maan took a chance to save him because the family members had lost the hope for their very young son who got married recently..and after his marriage they got to know about his heart disease as he could not hold his heart beats on his wedding night while making love to his wife and felt unconscious ..They had come to know about Maan Khurana so they took him there and pleaded him to save him..Maan though knew that there were very lean chances to save him as reports said that his heart was very weak. Still he took the chance seeing his pretty and very young bride who was sitting there with tears in her eyes. But he did not give high hopes for the family as he himself was not sure if he would be able to save him or not..After completing the formalities he started to operate on him..

His philosophy was-Till the heart is beating the person is alive and he could do anything to save the patient.. Rich or poor did not mean to him..For him the patient was a human who had all the rights to live healthy..

Maan was dedicatedly operating his patient who was no less than a challenge for him.. His all the knowledge of his medical career was on it's heels.. His forehead was sweating again and again and one nurse was wiping it ..He was tired..But he was not ready to give up.. There were few moments where he could see the patient sinking but his hard work of studying the case histories of the operation performed by the Drs. All around the world was helping him a lot..

After the continuous efforts for several hrs., Maan inhaled deeply .. He was relaxed ..Operation was successful. His co doctors and the nurses congratulated him for performing successfully on this almost impossible operation..

Maan smiled with satisfaction. Today he had saved one more person from dying ..He after coming out of the OT informed his family about the patient and his family members' faces got the smile back on..They were in tears but this time the tears were of happiness.. The parents of the patient were almost in his feet to thank him as they were at the loss of the words..

He stopped them in the middle and said-Don't do this to me..I m not any god..I m just an human like you ..I tried my best and I m happy that I was able to save him.. Take care of him. His eyes went on the wife of the patient who was looking at him with grateful eyes..She hadn't spoken a word to him but he could see her feeling obliged..He smiled a little and left feeling tired..He was having headache so he was pressing his head with his hands..

He was in his room and he heard a knock on the door followed by a female voice-may I come in sir?

Maan with closed eyes-Come in

The door opened and he heard some foot steps

He felt some movement but he was not in mood to open his eyes as he was very tired

He heard a voice-Sir.. Coffee for you.

And he opened his eyes-Coffee? Who said?

and he looked at the face .. He saw a nurse there and he was seeing that face for the first time..She was smiling

The nurse- No one Sir. and the medicines too for your headache..

Maan was amused now-How do you know I have headache?

The nurse-I saw you sir..I was with you in OT while you were operating that patient.. You looked tired.

Maan-You are new here?

And she nodded-Yes sir..It's my first day here..Have your coffee sir.. it's getting cold..

Maan-Hmm. Thanks a lot

And she smiled-mention not sir..it was my duty..and please have your medicine ..You will feel better..

And Maan nodded

She turned to left but he stopped her-Excuse me ..What's your name?

She turned and said-Geet..

And Maan repeated after her-Geet..Nice name..

Geet-I know sir. Everyone says it's musical.

and she smiled- Have a good day sir and she left..Maan was looking her leaving the room...

A smile came on his face-Geet.. Strange girl..it's her first day and she has guts to bring coffee without even asking..

He finished his coffee and took the medicine with the last sip of coffee and few minutes later he felt good and started to read the file of his other patients..

Next day Maan had to go to the children ward as there were children having heart problems..

He entered the ward to check the kids and was surprised to see that there silence everywhere..Usually children would have been seen fighting or arguing sometimes playing with each other Today it was very unusual to see feel the silence.. He looked around and went to the rear side of the ward.. He went to the garden behind that ward which was created for the kids to play when they were missing their homes or their friends back at home or school..

Maan found the kids sitting in a circle and saw a nurse sitting at the centre of that circle..Probably she was telling a story and kids were listening to quietly with a curious expression on their faces..

He moved towards them and found a little girl sitting in the lap of the nurse whom she was patting in between..The girl was sitting with her head on her shoulder..

A kid asked-What happened after that sister?

Sister who was none but Geet- what had to be happened?.. The prince saved the princes from that bitch after killing her with her own weapon.. and took her to his home and both were happily married. and few years later they had a cute sweet baby girl like who was just was like this sweetie pie saying this she kissed the little girl in her lap..Now happy Sweta? Did you like the fairy tale? She asked the girl ..

Maan was still not able to see the face of the nurse as her back was towards him

Sweta-When will mamma come?

Geet-She will come very soon baby.. She needed to go to her office. She has an urgent meeting there. You want to go home soon na?

sweta nodded

Geet-Then you have to co operate with your parents..Office jaayenge tabhi to paise aayenge na tumhen theek karne ke liye.Hai na

Sweta-Ok..I won't cry now

Geet kissed hard on her cheeks-Good gal..

Maan felt that the voice was heard before..He thought for a while but could not remember and then he called the kids-Hello kids.. How are you ? all and kids looked at him. Geet too looked and found Maan standing there

Geet-Good after noon doctor..Maan looked at her and recognised her-Good afternoon Mis..Umm Geet Right?

Geet smiled-Right sir..You have a good memory.. But you don't need to remember my name sir..Everyone calls a nurse sister here

Maan-I know I should call you sister only but someone told me that your name is quite musical and I like it too..So I will call you Geet. Any problem?

Geet-Not at all ..As you wish sir

Maan opened his bag and took a paper bag out of it..He opened it and eyes of kids started to shine as they could see some chocolate in his hand..

He gave the chocolates to them and then asked them to come in as it was the time for the check up

Geet took the kids in and asked them to sit on their respective beds.. She helped Maan in his work..

Maan was talking to the kids while checking them so that they were not scared of the check up..Geet was smiling hearing his talks..She had seen his dedication last day too..

After the check up, Maan settled on his seat in the ward to update the prescriptions files of the kids. He asked for the files of the kids and Geet gave him..Maan Looked at her-In a day you have learnt a lot .it's impossible for a fresher

Geet-No sir I m not a fresher..I have three years experience of the work..Me and my mother have shifted here from Delhi..

Maan-Oh..ok.and he started to look in to the files..

Maan pushed the call bell.he waited for few moments and then pressed the bell again

Geet-You need anything sir?

Maan-Yeahh..I need coffee..But seems the service boy is busy somewhere else

Geet-Don't worry sir I will bring it for you

Maan-No Geet...It's not your work.. I will wait for the boy

Geet-It's Ok Sir. It will take few minutes for me..I will be back soon..and she left.. after few minutes she was back with hot smoking coffee for him..

Maan-Thanks Geet

Geet-Welcome doctor

Maan got busy in the files and Geet went back to kids and tried to control them as they were making noise with their talks...

Maan noticed her way of handling the kids..Generally the nurses were strict and rude as they were to handle there so many things and that had made them like that.. They took every work as their duty and their faces were expression and emotionless.. But Geet was different..She was interacting with the kids while having a smile on her face. and he found that it was only her second day here but she had made a good repo with the kids... He was working on the files but he could clearly hear their conversation..and he did not know why he was smiling hearing their conversation.

In next few days they came face to face few times and exchanged their pleasantries .They did not talk as the duties for them were in different wards at different times..

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Maan entered in to the OT as he had to operate on one child..The team of doctors and nurses was waiting for him.. Everyone wished him and he heard the familiar voice-Good morning Doctor..

Maan looked at her and nodded-Good morning Everyone.. All set?

Assistant Doctor-Yes sir everything is ready..

Maan-Bring the patient

And the patient was brought there..She was sweta and she was scared finding herself alone among the crowd of Drs. and nurses.

Maan-Hi sweta.. how are you beta?

And sweta started to cry-mamaa...I want to go to mamma..

Maan tried to handle her-Off course sweta you will.. just spend few minutes with us. We have to check you..

Sweta looked around ..She was scared of the equipments there..

Sweta-Nooo..I don't want to stay here..you will harm me..

Maan held her hand but she snaped-Go...don't touch me

Geet looked at the assistant doctor-Sir may I?

And he nodded

Geet came near Sweta who was on the stretcher.

Geet-Sweta Look at me..Sweta looked at Geet and she almost hugged her-Mamma paas jana hai..

Geet-Ok..I will take you to your mamma..come .and she took her in her arms..She kissed her face and while holding her in her arms she moved near Maan.. and she signalled him..Maan nodded and he further signalled the other nurse who was ready with her injection..First off all they needed her to be calm. Geet was holding sweta little tightly so that other nurse could inject her without touching her.. it needed one second and sweta felt a needle prick on her bum and she cried one more time but Geet again diverted her - what happened sweta?.. let's go to your mamma.. and she stopped to cry hearing her mamm's name and after that within few seconds she was under the effect of the injection. Geet made her lay on the operation table

Maan-Good job Geet

Geet-Thanks Doctor.. she is just a kid and needed distraction

Maan nodded at this

And the team started to work on her.. Operation took hrs and she was having a hole in her heart..For Maan it was not at all complicated so he was sure that operation was going to be successful..and he was right

He informed her parents after coming out of OT and went to his own room..he was looking in to some paper when he heard a knock and the voice of Geet-May I come in sir?

Maan-yess..come in

And she was there with coffee.

Maan-Geet ..Were you taught in your training to bring coffee for the doctor?

Geet laughed-No sir.it wasn't taught in training..it was taught at my home. Maa says that after a hard work tea or coffee makes a person feel good and if it's without asking then it's more stress buster..In my last hospital doctor was old and whenever I took coffee for him after a long period of work he used to get happy seeing that coffee

Maan Great..your mother is a good teacher

Geet-She is sir.

Maan- Have a seat, Geet.

Geet-Me?

Maan-yess

Geet Thanks sir and she took a seat in front of him

Maan-Tell me about your family who else is there?

Geet-No one other than my mother.

Maan-and father?

Geet-he passed away few years ago.. if he was alive may be I too had become a doctor. He was the bread winner for us.I love to serve the people..and it's not my work but it's my passion.. we were facing some financial crises so I thought to be a nurse instead of becoming a doctor as the purpose was served for me to serve people.. Maan-Oh..

They chatted for a while and Geet took the leave as she had to go to the ward..

Another fine day

Maan was irritated.. He was clearly in foul mood. He was like this since night..He did not know why his dadi was bringing that topic again and again.. He did not want to marry right now and that too with that girl Sameera ..Never...Dadi was hell bent upon to make her the daughter in law of the house but he did not like her..His father and Sameera's father were friends and they promised each other to change their friendship in relations but his parents died in plane crash but dadi wanted to fulfil her deceased son's last wish..Maan knew Sameera since his childhood but he never liked her..She was beautiful well educated and had the manners needed for any person to move in sophisticated society but Maan was not at all impressed with her.. It was not that he hated her but marriage with her were not on his cards.. Not now nor in future .. He felt suffocated in her presence.. How he would bear that girl for lifelong when he was not able to spend few hrs with her

He entered the children ward and found them running here and there and few were fighting for some cartoon programme..

Maan who was already irked got more angry seeing them creating the mess and he shouted-Silence..

The kids heard his voice and they became silent hearing his voice which they were hearing for the first time.. Geet too heard him shouting and was shocked as well scared to see him like this..

Geet-G..good afternoon doctor..

Maan without looking at her started to check the kids..Geet silently helped him and did whatever he asked to do..Everyone were quietly looking at him.. and he after involving in the check up forget about his and his dadi ma and he found something unusual...He looked around and found all of them quietly staring at him

Then his eyes went on Geet too who was staring at him and looked scared

Maan-What happened? Why all of you are staring at me?

Geet gulped her saliva hearing him.. A small kid who was very scared seeing him said after gathering his courage-Aap ne hi to bola chhabto tup lahne to.. aap chhabto daant tyun lahe the..Humne tya tiya? (You only asked all of us to be silent..Why were you scolding all of us? What did we do?)

Maan-What? What did you say?

And he himself repeated the words of the kid and he realised what he was saying..Geet came near the kid and closed his mouth so that he could not say anything further to increase his anger.

Maan looked at her closing his mouth and then he understood that all were scared.. He smiled seeing them like that. He sighed deep and then gave a soft look to all-Sorry..I did not mean to scare you all

Kids were still unsure if they should smile or not..Maan understood and took the chocolates out of the bag and gave them while saying sorry once again..

Kids took the chocolates and smiled..Few of them kissed him too..Maan's eyes fell on Geet..She was standing there with smile on her face..Maan forwarded one chocolate towards her too. Geet looked with confused eyes..

Maan-Sorry..

And Geet's mouth opened wide hearing his sorry to her..She took the chocolate and said-It's ok sir.

Maan felt good seeing all of them smiling again

To be continued...😉

Friends forever...

Maneet married after a courtship of 7 years and they were very confident about their love and understanding that they took no time to decide when their parents were keen to push them into a relationship and they happily tied the knot believing that there can never be a couple like them. Yes, they are unique, but not like they believed that there is no force on earth to part them or there could never be another bonding like their's , they are unique in the way they ended their 15 year marriage by a couple of legal procedures without much fuss and are now proud(!!) of their mutual exit from each other's life...

They are always boasting of their impeccable characters that they believe is path breaking and setiing high standards for their followers!!! It's become a trend and all are looking for this new freedom on their own will and is becoming a fashion of the millennials...but MSK and Geet Handa taking this route is not so cool, haina? that's what Dadi thinks...

Dadi remembers the past when they were inseparable and couldn't stay away from one another more than a couple of days...

Nanna Aarav and his sister Riya have come to spend their vacations with their papa...they live with their mother in Mumbai where she runs a boutique while Maan is in Delhi along with Dadi and is the MD of KC...

Riya is 12 and Aarav is 4...they always look forward to their vacations b'coz that's when they get to see Dadi who is a good story teller and Maan takes them along whenever he travels for business...

This time dadi has a different story to tell them, their own story, the story how their mama and papa once were crazy about their love and they both themselves are gifts of God for that pure love.

It was during a college meet that Maan met Geet and instantly liked her candid personality, not to mention her ravish beauty...

'Geet was crowned Smiling Beauty for her beautiful smile that spread joy and happiness...she is always warm and helpful. Whenever someone comes to her with their problems she does everything she could to help them and that too with a huge smile and never gets tired of lending a hand to the needy...

Geet was then collecting funds for the Gujarat earthquake and when she reached everyone with her catchy smile and puppy eyes no one could resist that and all were willing to spend some bugs if not for the victims but at least for Geet...

Geet got to now about MSK from some friends and they all told her that he is the big fish for he could donate a lump sum for he is a Khorana...Delhi's well known Realters and are known for their philanthropic heart...

Geet went to his college and found him in the library...

What is he doing here? Geet thought that he is a geek...

He was studiously taking some notes as Geet approached him...

Geet introduced herself and Maan easily recognized her...

Geet: halo, I'm Geet

Maan looks up...: ohh Smiling Beauty

Geet: so you know me, it's good

Maan: Ms...

Geet didn't like his attitude...just now she told her name and he didn't even have the courtesy to take a note...

Geet bursts...: Ms. Geet Handa

Maan: haan Geet, sorry you see I'm little busy

Geet thinks...ha ha ha so busy...just showing off...

But Get has come to him asking for help for a good cause, she doesn't want her ego to spoil that...

Geet: we're rasing a fund for the earthquake victims

Maan: that's great

Geet: I would like you to donate generously

Maan: I'm in, but what would be a generous amount?

Maan just wanted to stretch the conversation for he wanted to know her more...he kind of liked her then itself and was thinking of meeting her also...and here she is... .

Geet: I know you have a big heart

Maan: a very big heart

Maan keeps staring into her brown eyes...

Geet feels uncomfortable...

Geet: how much would you wish to spare for them?

Geet tries to avoid his eyes and takes out the receipt...

Maan: that depends on you

Geet looks at him and is confused a little...

Geet: what?

Maan: I can pay you a lakh for a day, how many days can you spare for me?

That's it...Geet gets furious and is about to slap him tight when he catches hold of her hand and stops her...

Geet: how dare you?

Maan: easy, easy Ms.Geet, you look more beautiful with your smile, but I must confess that you look hot when you are hot

Geet: are you mad?

Maan: I mean when you are angry

Geet: leave me or I'll shout

Just then Maan's friends enter...

Friend1: what dude? Isko bhi pattaya ya nahi?

Friend2: oh it's a big failure I guess

He says looking at Geet's red face...

But the other one looks at Maan's hold and says...: no man,no one can escape

Maan releases his hold...: Ok guys, how many did you manage?

Friend1: no one is ready to come with us

Maan: if you keep looking like that who will trust you?

Friend2: I don't think anyone trust you

He is looking at Geet...

Geet is all the more angry...all useless fellows...don't have any manners...that too infront of a girl...shameless...

Maan: she's the 100th

Geet: what?

Maan: here you go

Maan signs a checque for 10 lakhs and gives it to Geet

Geet is skeptical...

Maan: come on, take it, I'll settle for 5 days, that's not a big deal for you, haina?

Geet: what are you talking about?

Friend1: Maan, don't scare her, she'll not come along then, we need her in our team, just to keep up the enthu you know?

Maan stares him...

Friend2: I mean, she is full of energy, haina?

Friend1: haan haan

The two escape as they knew Maan doesn't like flirting with girls...

Geet: what's all this nonsense...

Maan: oh they are just kidding, they are not that bad, and you need not worry when the MSK is with you

Geet: I'm talking about you

Maan: what?

Geet: nice acting

Geet throws his papers on the floor and tries to walk away...

Maan stops her and this time his grip is harder...

Geet turns back and stares Maan...

Maan: you've forgotten your cheque

Geet: who needs that?

Maan: all these people

Maan picks up the paper cutting he had gathered to Geet...

Geet couldn't understand anything...

Maan: and I know you wouldn't refuse to join our team in helping these people

Geet blinks...

Maan: we're volunteering to help the victims and you know it's not about just money, it's more than that, they need a helping hand

Geet : what ?

Maan: we are going to provide food, water and temporary shelters, KC has taken up a makeshift camp and you can even serve there

Geet realizes her mistake and is happy that they both thnk alike...

Geet: I'm in and I'll bring my gang too

Maan: we are starting from our campus, tomorrow morning, how many shall I count?

Geet: 20 or more

Maan is happy...: good, see you all tomorrow

Geet: bye

Then they started working together in the camp and become close friends...after many parties and meetings they started liking each other and just then Geet went abroad to pursue her studies...

Then they couldn't handle that separation and after a couple of weeks Maan flew to UK to meet Geet...after initial denial phase when Maan told Geet that he was there for some business meet and stayed close to her flat so that they could meet everyday it became obvious that they missed their company badly... Geet soon found out that Maan had just come for her and then they both realized that they can't live without each other and confessed their love...

They were the ideal couple and after marriage they became even more closer...

Only after Aarav's birth Geet started feeling that Maan doesn't have the time for family and that it's all up to her to take up every responsibility...Maan was a little busy working out a small problem at KC...

Maan had to go out of station due to business often and he rarely stays at home...this makes Geet feel very lonely and she hates this hi bye relationship that nearly survived on phone, then too Maan had the time only to talk about the children...

Maan was busy with his problems while Geet had a lot of time to herself which resulted in her unnecessary thoguhts and she wanted to help Maan in business so that she could spend more time with him and would rather have mpre access to her hubby atleast that way...

KC was going thru a rough phase at that time and Maan knew that it's not the right time for Geet's entry for he didn't want her to know the truth about KC, he wanted to keep the family out of this, he knew Geet has the habot of exaggerating things and she would panic as she is now more worried about the children and that would only make him weak...

He knows that it's just a matter of time before he could manage the problems and for that he had to take charge himself and keep visiting all the sights in person for he didn't want to trust anyone after some of the long time loyal employees cheated KC.

Moreover the kids are too small to be left in someone's care, they need atleast one of their parents attention. Maan knows who is better at parenting and he believes Geet can easily handle it even in his absence.

Geet kept complaining that Maan is running away from his responsibilities and is not spending time with the family as much as she wanted. She then blamed him of being a bad father and that irked Maan.

Geet was just feeling neglected and soon one of her friends who had a very bad divorce came to Geet for help...Geet took that opportunity to take a break from Maan so that he'll know her value when he misses her...

Maan too thought that this should help her come out of her routine which she is fed up of and she will also be happy to do something independently which she always wanted...this should free her a little and refresh her...

Geet started missing Maan more now...she was actually confused and she wished Maan was there with her all the time...but Maan was too busy worrying about his work that he didn't realize that Geet is staying away and also desperately needs him...

Geet helped her friend start this boutique and she felt lonely . she got busy in her work as a working partner and tried to find solace in work...she worked hard and their business bloomed...she then invested more and more of her time and some money and became equal partner...she became independent and she was happy to have achieved so much on her own...she then thought tht she is more than happy on her own rather than longing for that love and attention from someone else...hearing her friend's story she also came to the conclusion that men are always indifferent and they take their partners for granted...she has also lost her life trying to be an ideal wife and who cares when you have the kids and you only need a governess for your kids and you forget your wife...

Thus Geet started her independent life which she has found in Mumbai and started staying there for long periods...she then put her daughter in a school there and only came for vacations...then they decided that they don't need each other 24*7 and that's suffocating and they parted away as friends...

Maan was just tired of her complains and if she believes that she is more happy without him then he was not going to stand between her and her happiness. Now the kids are also with her and Maan at times feels guilty of neglecting his duties as a father but then he plans a vaction with them now and then whenever he is free from work. Both of them make sure that the kids don't miss either of their parents.

Geet too joins them sometimes and they are still friends as we know. But those are vacations with friends family or Annie's family.

This was the first time they went out after legal separation, though they didn't bother much about it and wanted to be as normal as possible so that the kids don't feel anything different with their parents the friends were pretty tensed and worried as to how they both would face each other. They even gave advices to pretend as friends in front of everyone for the sake of the kids. This made then feel awkward when they faced each other. They didn't know how the other would react. They were not completely out of touch for they have been talking over the phone almost every day.

Geet and the children were waiting for Maan at the airport along with the others. As usual Maan was late as he had some last minute job to finsh. One of the friend's blame Maan for being late always as if to support Geet's decision to part ways with Maan but Geet immediately defended him saying that Maan had a very tight schedule and he has managed to get some time just for the kids and he always puts the kids first before his business, then came the comment that maybe he didn't give that priority to his wife.

Geet got annoyed and wished Maan was there to shut their mouths. Maan just comes and everyone was just looking at him and Geet alternately to see how they react, they were expecting some drama and Maan didn't disappoint them. He had received a lot of calls from a his friends to take it easy and not to embarrass Geet at any point.

Maan just came and greeted Geet with a hug infront of everyone and that too at the airport. Maan is not the one to do that even when they were a couple. Geet was little shocked but managed with a smile. She then asked Maan to take it easy and they can just be friends as always. Thus they became friends and the drama continues there after.

Dadi is now amused as how they can be still friends and not man and wife? That's impossible...you have committed to be in a relationship then you can't just run away like that...you need to be more responsible, though they keep the kids happy and all but this is not a family, haina?

Something has to be done...these two say that they are friends and still meet at friend's places and take selfies and keep showing off their friendship just to overcome the guilt that they have made a mistake to go for a divorce...

Now dadi has a plan and she is going to need the help of her two little warriors for that...and the warriors are ready to jump into the ground and wage a war...mom and dad, here we come...

Riya and Aarav want a family trip and this time they want dadi also to accompany them...Maan is little busy and he wants Geet to take them out. Geet doesn't get angry for he is not her husband now but is a good friend, she understands his plight as a friend, haina?

Geet too wishes that Maan comes along just like the kids for it's been almost 6 months since they have been somewhere together.

But she doesn't show it off and gets ready to go with the kids and Dadi. Maan drives them to the airport himself as the kids are very angry with him for not coming. All the while the kids don't speak with Maan and Maan tries to cheer them up. He looks for Geet's help then.

Maan: what happened? Why you all are so quiet?

No reaction from the kids...

Maan looks at them and they trun their face off, he then looks at Geet...

Geet too wanted to protest just like the kids but she can't, she has lost her rights...so she has to be patient now...

Maan: who wants ice cream?

Now Geet looks at the kids for an answer but no reply...

She somehow feels that she should change their mood or the trip will be spoilt...and Maan would feel guilty till they return...

Geet: I want ice cream

Maan stops the car at the parlour and dadi is just silently observing the two giving instructions to the kids with her eyes.

Geet gets down along with Maan and waits for the kids...

Geet: come on Aarav, we'll have double scoop, chocolate and vanilla, and who likes strawberry?

Aarav jumps out enthusiastically while Riya stays back with dadi...Maan takes him in his arms...

Maan gets a special strawberry delight for Riya and brings it to the car itself...Geet is surprised for Maan hates bringing eatables inside the car specially ice cream for that would definitely spill...

Riya takes it half heartedly and forgives her dad only after he promises to take them on a long trip very soon...

They reach Amristar and they are going to stay at Dadi's friends place. This whole trip is planned by Dadi. They are welcomes in Punjabi style with lots of nuts, sweets and lassi. Everyone was inquiring about Maan and dadi said Maan felt very bad too to miss out, they were happy to see Geet.

After tey settle down Dadi introduces Geet to Meera. Meera is bubbly and very talkative, she immediately became friends with Geet. Geet too liked her. And for some strange reason she blushed evrytime when there was a mention about Maan. And Dadi was unnecessarily giving out a lot of information about Maan to her.

Later that night Dadi comes to meet Geet after the kids sleep.

Dadi: Geet

Geet: aayiye Dadi

Dadi: bache sogaye?

Geet: haan dadi

Dadi: I want to tell you something

Geet: ji dadi

Dadi: you know Geet, we have come here for something special

Geet is puzzled...what?

Dadi: you know nowadays Maan has become too lonely, specialy when the kids are not there

Dadi cleverly avoids Geet...

Geet: ohh

Dadi: he can't survive at KC forever, haina?

Geet: hmm

Dadi: he has to sit back and start living his life at this point

Geet just keeps nodding her head...

Dadi: I'm not telling any story, this is about your friend, you need to be more involved Geet

Geet: hmm Dadi, what can I do?

Dadi: oh you can't do anything, but I know what I should do

Geet: what?

Dadi: I must get him married, and this time I don't want any confusions, you know after his failed first marriage we need to be more carefull now, and you know how much your friemd hates failures

Geet is shocked but she pretends not to be...

Dadi: that's why I need your help Geet

Geet deosn't know how she could help...and does she even want to help Dadi this time?

Dadi: being his friend for so many years and even after everything you must know him better now, haina?

Geet shakes her head and then nods it...she is still figuring out how well she knows Maan!!

Dadi: you saw this pretty girl Meera, haina? what do you think about her?

Geet is taken aback...oh that's why she was all blushing in the morning...

Geet: she's good, and she is beautiful

Dadi: she's the one I have chosen for Maan

Geet almost faints...

Geet: great choice Dadi

Dadi: so you too like her

Geet: what's there in my liking her or not, you should ask Maan

Dadi: but Geet, she's ging to be your friend's partner for the rest of his life and also the kids step- mother, I first want you to approve her

All this makes Geet's head spin...Dadi's plan is working...

Dadi: you know she is my bestie Gayathri's pothi, she knows about Maan very well, she knows about everything, and she loves the kids too, they too seem to like her,she was even present at the first wedding

Geet: if you think she would be better then you must talk to Maan

Dadi: but he's always busy, I just want you to call him, he'll come if you insist

Geet's face brightens for a moment and dadi finishes with a twist...

Dadi: after all you are his best friend, he won't say no to you, haina?

Geet doesn't like the idea...she doesn't like any of this first of all and she doesn't want to be disappointed after Maan rejects her request...

Dadi: what are you thinking Geet? don't you like Meera?

Geet: ohh yes, I'll talk to him dadi

Dadi leaves Geet alone so that she could call Maan...

Geet calls Maan and Maan is excited to hear from herm he wants to know how the kids are feeling, are they still angry with him?

Geet: Maan

Maan: haan Geet, is everything alright? I mean the kids were mad at me

Geet: oh that's not a problem, they like it here

Maan: thanks Geet, I know you would take care of everything

Geet just remembered what dadi told...

Geet: woh Maan

Geet hesitates...

Maan: what's wrong Geet?

Maan finds out that something is bothering her...

Maan: don't you like it there? I mean, if you want I can arrange some other accommodation

Maan thinks that there might be some talk about their divorce or something like that for it's still a taboo in such places...

Geet: no problem Maan, they are all very good, specialy Meera

Maan doesn't even care about the name...

Maan: so what where you saying?

Maan is only worried about Geet...

Geet: Maan shall I ask you something

Maan is very happy that Geet is talking to him like that...

Maan: of course Geet

Geet: could you come here for a couple of days, the kids miss you so much

Maan knows who is missing him badly from her voice...and he likes that for a change, not like earlier when he got pissed off hearing that...

Maan: I too miss them Geet, maybe I can come in the weekend

Geet is so happy...: sachi?

Maan: but don't tell the kids, let it be a surprise for them

Look who is excited, it's Mrs.Khurana...

Geet: thanks Maan

Maan wants to surprise Geet as well and so he boards the next flight to Amritsar...

Next day when Maan arrives Geet rushes to receive him but she is too late...

Meera has already received him and taken him to his room, Geet is disappointed and she doesn't want to disturb them...

After getting refreshed Maan himself comes to meet the kids...and also Geet...

Geet is helping Aarav take a bath when Maan comes...Riya runs to him and she is in towel...

Maan helps her dress up and she goes down to play with her friends...

Maan: Geet, what are you stiil doing there?

Geet: Aarav, come on, we're getting late, this is not our home, we can play later

Geet tries to pour water and Aarav is busy applying soap on her face...they play like this while bathing, Aarav wants a shower but there is no shower here, poor Geet is trying hard to convince him...

When Geet forcefully tries to pour water Aarav shouts at the top of his voice...Maan enters hearing that...he is worried a bit...

Maan: Aarav, what happened?

Maan is in a hurry ...

Geet: Maan, sambalke, he is a dramebaaz you know

Maan thinks that he us just like Geet...,

Maan: Aarav, be a good boy, why are you shouting?

Aarav: papa, mama wants me to bath in this cold water

Geet: liar

Maan touches the water and it's warm only...

Maan: look whi is stinking?

Maan pretends to close his nose

Aarav points Geet...: mama

Maan looks at Geet, half wet and face full of soap

He can't help but laugh at her plight...

Geet gets angry...: Maan, you too?

Aarav takes the mug , gives it to Maan and winks...

Maan has a mischievous smile...ho jaye?

Aarav: haan

Maan pours it over Geet...Geet is all drenched...

Geet tries to snatch the mug from Maan...Maaan

She slips and Maan catches hold of her...

Geet freezes as she feels electrified as if it's their first touch...

Staying away from each other they have forgotten their togetherness and their undenying chemistry...

Maan doesn't want to embarrass her and asks her to go out as he didn't know who is more vulnerable...

Maan: Geet, you go and dry, I'll take care of him

At breakfast...

Meera serves Maan all his favorite dishes...

All Dadi's plan...Geet just tries to concentrate on her food but in vain...

Her eyes constantly stalk Maan...

Maan is neither bothered nor annoyed...he enjoys her childishness and her hospitality...

He knows her from childhood and she is such a lovely girl...

But Maan did notice Geet looking lost in this crowd...she's a stranger here...

Then comes a handsome hunk...Gayathri ji introduces him as Dev, one of their family...

Dev immediately starts flirting with Geet...

Dev: hey, who's this charming young lady? No one introduced her, well miss gorgeous, I'm Dev

Dev introduces himself...Maan doesn't like it at all...

Geet: halo, I'm Geet

Dev: so sweet, I love that name, Geet, I like music, I like Geet

That whole day Dev accompanies them everywhere...he is too much interested in Geet...

That evening dadi starts her play with Maan...

Dadi: Maan bete, I want to tell you something about Dev

Maan: tell me dadi, who is that Dev?

Maan wanted to know that...

Dadi: you know beta, this time we are her for Geet

Maan: Geet?

Dadi: you know after all this Ranno and Maninder want to see Geet happy again

Maan: what happened now? She is more than happy in her lifenow Dadi

Dadi: no beta,they want her to be really happy with someone

Maan: what does that mean?

Dadi: she can't live all alone the rest of her life, haina?

Maan: but she is not alone, she is with the kids

Dadi: not that alone beta

Dadi has to teach all the lessons to her stupid potha...

Maan: so what?

Dadi: you see this Dev is Maninder's relative, and Dev likes Get it seems

Maan: oh that is so obvious

Dadi: you know Geet doesn't understand all this

Maan: she never unserstood anything for that matter

Dadi: Rano wants me to convince Geet, but who am I, I couldn't even convince her to stay back with us

Maan: but that's not your fault dadi

Dadi: you are still so close to her, you can talk to her as a friend, you know, she has to understand her parents plight, who wants to see their children left to lead a life on their own?

Maan: but what about Geet?

Dadi: didn't you see her? How miserable she is? Isn't it our responsibility to bring back her joy and happiness?

Maan: you are right dadi, but how can I talk with her?

Dadi: oh that's not a problem, you all are still good buddies only

Maan: oh yah

Dadi: ohh yaaah

Next day dadi sents them both out alone to convince each other...

Maan takes Geet out for a date after a long time...

Both are confused and dejected...

Maan: Geet?

Maan breaks the ice first...

Geet: hmm

Maan: what's wrong? You look worried

Geet: no no, I'm fine

Maan: ohh I know, you only said we are still friends, then why hide anything from me?

Geet: there's nothing to hide

Maan: is it?

Geet: hmm

Maan: look at me Get

Geet turns and looks into his eyes...her eyes tell him all...

Maan: so you are happy?

Geet: why not?

Maan: you never felt alone? You never missed anything?

Geet: why? The kids are always with me

Geet then stops for a moment as she looks at Maan...the kids are always with her...what about Maan?

Maan: oh that's fine, I too don't really miss much, as long as I get to be with them whenever we want, haina?

Geet wonders what happened to that Maan who always finds fault with her...now he is all supportive...friendship it is...maybe...

Maan: I think it's time for us to move on

Geet thinks Maan is going to talk about Meera...

Geet: you are correct, every one has the right to move on

Maan: you don't worry about anyone

Geet: why should I worry about others?

Maan: it's good for you, and uncle aunty will also be happy

Geet: of course they will be

Maan comes to the point...: did dadi tell you anything?

Geet: haan, I just wanted to talk with you

Maan: she told me too

Geet: so are you happy?

Maan: I'm so happy, what about you?

Geet: me?

Maan: yes, it's up to you to decide

Geet: I'm happy too

Maan: seriously?

Maan is so disappointed and he doesn't hide that...

Geet: why wouldn't I be happy?

Maan: fine, but

Geet looks at Maan seriously...: what? are you hiding something?

Maan: it's all good, you can marry whoever you want, but this Dev is not the guy

Geet is puzzled...: Dev?

Maan: he is not good for you, I just saw him flirting with that Meera

Geet: what? Meera?

Maan: yeah, she's such an innocent kid, I don't like him messing with her, I just warned him

Yes, Maan just saw Dev trying to woo Meera and he immediately remembered what dado told, he warned him to stay in his limits and left...

Geet: innocent kid? So you like her?

Maan: why? You don't?

Geet: no no, she's the right choice for you, Mrs.Meera Maan Singh Khurana, haina?

Maan just halts ...

Maan: what do you mean?

Geet: you and Meera would make a great couple

Maan: stop it Geet

Maan is really angry now...

Geet: what's wromg?

Maan: you can go marry anyone, that Dev, I don't care, but you don't have any right to interfere in my life

Geet is in tears...: I know that, I'm sorry

Maan feels bad...: I'm sorry Geet, you know I'm short tempered, and what's all this about Meera?

She's getting married next week, and we're here for that only, don't you know that?

Geet: what?

It's actually Meera's wedding that dadi has come to with her family as Gayathri insisted that the who;e family comes before a week, and this gave Dadi an idea and Dev, Meera's fianc, readily agreed to help bring Maneet together again...

Maan: I thought Dadi told you

Geet: no she didn't, I'm not her bahu anymore

Maan calls her closer and hugs her...

He kisses her forehead...: hare pagli, you are always Mrs.Maan Singh Khurana, samji tum?

Geet : what about Dev?

Maan: Dev? No one dares to mess with Maan Singh Khurana's girl, let him get his own, haina?

Maan winks and Geet acknowledges...

Then Maan seals the deal with a passionate kiss...no one messes with Maneet...the eternal couple...

*******THE END*******

Kaun Tuje Yun Pyaar Karega

Jaise Mein Karta Hoon




" congratulation ..Geet finally tu aapni uch chirkut boyfriend se shadi kar raha hai ..." Maan said playfully ...but shocked seeing her in tears...
" hey why are you crying ? if you are crying thinking what will happen to Uncle and Aunty after your marriage then don't... they would be more happy to get rid of you ..trust me " he said to make her cheer up but she hugged him crying bitterly...Maan hugged her back " sshh mujhe nehi pata tha ki dosro ko rulana wala gundi khud bhi rota hai ..mujhe toh Dev me liye bura lag raha hai...pata nehi shaadi ke baad uska kya...

" he left " Geet told in between " Dev doesn't want to marry me Maan he left ..." She gave him Dev's letter ..." he got a job in London and if he didn't join tomorrow he would lose it so he left ..." she said as tears flowing...

" you guys are getting married tomorrow how can he left ...? "

" its simple Maan uske liye mujshe jayada uska career important hai toh bas chala gaya..."

" Geet marriage is not some joke how can he leave like this? saare guest aachuke hai.. hey he loves you he cant do this ...let me call him...I will beat him black and blue if he not come " ...Maan tried to call him but Geet snatched it...

" no you won't call the person who leave his would be wife for his career ..."

Maan can understand Geet is deeply hurt ..Dev and Geet together for two years and now getting married.. she had so many dream about her marriage and she would never thought that Dev would ditch her like this...but now its not only about her its also about her parents their reputation... he is clueless what to do now...

" Geet Uncle Aunty they ..."

" nehi aabhi tak maine kuch nehi bataye..."

" but you have to tell them ..."

" I know ..all guest are here ..ma papa ko kitni insult sehena parega ..." her heart broken she can try to tolerate somehow but her parents dreams reputation how will she let them breaking like this ..." how can Dev ..."

" Dev doesn't deserve you.." Maan said straight.." yes Geet that coward don't deserve you ...uche toh itna bhi himmat nehi tha ki khud aake tujshe kahe ki uche London jana hai...bas ye letter begch diya...bas***d .. " in other time if Maan said something like this Geet would burst on him but this time he is right...

" Dev said I mean in this letter he said he will come back after two years and then we will get married "

" and you believe this man huh " Maan said angrily ...Geet nodded no...Maan came forward hold her face " hey my lady Gundi ...this tears is more precious to go waste on that man ...he doesn't deserve you..you deserve more than that ...you deserve a man who will love you beyond anything... he would let himself hurt but will never let you cry ... he would die a hundred times seeing your tears...your happiness will be his first priority.. you deserve that kind of person " ...

" Marry me "
Maan took step back hearing her proposal ..." Geet tu..."

" tune hi toh kaha na main pyaar deserve karti hu aur aise pyaar toh sirf tu hi karta hai ...toh shaadi karle mujshe ..."

Maan nodded his head negative ..." yes I love you...not from today or few days ..I love you from ages ..I love you from the time I understood the meaning of love ..but I will never burdened you by my love ..."

they were best buddy from college.. Maan didn't even realise when he fall for her but it was too late before he could confess Dev came in picture and his heart broke...he can't even blame Geet because she never saw him other than her best friend ...but in last year holi Maan confessed in drunken state ...Geet was shocked didn't know how to react or do she was feeling guilty thinking may be its her fault but again Maan came forward and said it's not her fault or anything and nothing will happen to their friendship...from that day he keep pretending he is happy with Geet and Dev but Geet also know that he is not he only doing this for her...there she also bound by her heart which only loves Dev ..

" tujhe main pyaar karta hoon ..hamesha se ki hai ..yes I lied that I have gotten over you ..I will love you always ...but I can't marry you ...my love is not some charity that you are giving...I can't marry a girl who would never love me back ...who will live with me but her dreams will be for other... I can't " saying he was about to go but stop hearing her words ...

" kya tera pyaar itna kamjoor hai...ki muje Dev ko na bhula paye..meri dil se uch insan ka naam na mita paye ..mujhe kamjor karde tujhse pyaar karne ke liye ..bas itna hi dum hai tere pyaar main..."

Maan said nothing only came forward and hold her hand tightly then took her downstairs where he told about Dev and announced their marriage...
******************

The Last Summer...

Present

Summer 2016

Hoshiyarpur

The wind was too strong for her hairs to resist and so, they fell prey to its violence. In the randomness of their act, she struggled. She struggled to clear her vision. Keeping the coffee mug on the balustrade, she pushed those locks behind and then leaned on it, like she had been prior to her hair fiasco. The players in white held her attention all through. She had stood in the balcony for half an hour now, sipping her coffee and watching a bunch of boys play cricket in the field, right behind her house. And they were entertaining.

"Howzzat!! the bowler screamed.

"It's a not out. The player at the striker end protested and looked at his partner on the non-striker end.

Geet squinted her eyes to look understand what was happening. There seemed some kind of altercation. The two batsmen stood at the middle of the pitch, negotiating with the bowlers. It was a local match and since no third umpire was there, the decision remained with the only one on the field. She rolled her eyes and sipped the last bit of her coffee. The fight seemed to be getting intense and then, she screamed.

He was at the non-striker end and the ball definitely hadn't hit the leg pads. The opposing team was hell bent on getting them out and he knew the umpire wasn't getting to a decision because he was loyal to both the teams! Playing with the teens could be such a pain in the neck! He argued but his friends too weren't giving in. it was a crucial match between their lane and the lane behind, owing to some stupid bet. It had both people of his age and the kids too. They had to win it.

"Maan bhaiyya... ye tho cheating kar rahe hain. The kids complained.

He opened his mouth to say something and then he heard her. The loud voice that had always amused him. And without looking back, he knew who it belonged!

"It's a not out!!!

She had screamed.

He pulled away his helmet and peeled off his sun glasses and riveted his head back to the huge house that stood by the boundary of the field. And there she stood, in the balcony, screaming her lungs out. Her hairs ruffled by the wind, she looked every bit summer in that yellow dress, leaning over the balustrade.

She was here!!!

His lips curled into a smile as he picked up his bat and placed it over his shoulder, looking at her, hoping to catch her attention and that he did.

And their eyes met! Her heart skipped a beat, seeing that smirk. How long had it been that she had seen his face? He sure had grown up.

He blinked once, acknowledging her presence and she blushed pink. The sun was still higher up the horizon, spreading its yellow-slowly-turning-orange light over the entire sky.

"Geet... how did you know it was a not out? Brij, her cousin, screamed from the ground.

She blinked away breaking their moment and tucked her flying hair behind her ears, "Veerji, I had been watching this match for a while now. Its clearly visible from this side.

Brij gave her thumbs up and the boys decided the result. It was not out finally and then Maan came on strike. Putting back the helmet on his head, the first ball went for a wide. He shrugged and waited for the next delivery. Taking two runs, he was back on strike and wondered if she was looking at him. Just the thought of her felt so exhilarating that he almost forgot that he had a match to win. A few runs here and there, with a six and two 4s, he got an interlude between overs to just raise his eyes up and look at the particular balcony where she stood.

It was empty. The sun slowly went lower towards the horizon and the yellow turned into an orange-ish glow. He sighed and then his eyes fell on that coffee mug she had left on the balustrade. Vestiges of her being that it was, in reflected the sun through its shiny china body.

"Bowled! there was a huge uproar and then he looked back. The mid-wicket had been bowled away! He sighed and walked back to the audience stand where his teammates stood. It wasn't even the peak of summer. It was just the onset, somewhere mid-April where vestiges of spring still remained. And the wind remained violently happy. Not too chilly. Not too hot. It was, by all means, pleasantly pleasant.

"Geet didi... Titu came running and found her talking to his mother, her chachi.

"Arrey arrey... Dheere bhago!

The 15 year old held her hand and dragged her out, "chalo chalo... jaldi.

"But where? she stood up and set her dupatta with one hand and got pulled towards the door.

"Titu, but where are we going?

"Maan bhaiyya is taking us all for an ice-cream treat.

Her eyes turned wide like saucers and she whispered, after ages, "Maan!

Her heart skipped another beat but she maintained her composure, "Whats the occasion? Did we win?

The teen gave her a cheeky smile, "No didi. We lost. Maan bhaiyya got out at just 33 runs, so unlike him na! But even then, see he is taking our team for a treat and he even asked me to call you since you helped a little back then.

He kept blabbering and she remained dazed in the feel that set her heart ablaze. It had been so many years with him. She was barely 12 when she had first met him, here in Hoshiyarpur, her grandfather's home. She lived in Chandigarh, with her parents and visited her hometown every summer, without fail. Her father was a professor of Chemistry in Chandigarh University and her mother was a teacher in a govt run primary school. Maan on the other hand, belonged to the family of the wealthiest landlord in the whole of Hoshiyarpur, who happened to his maternal grandfather. He was studying in Delhi, as she had learned much later and lived in a boarding school after his mother's demise.

"Lo, hum aa gaye!

Titu's voice brought her back to the present and she found herself standing face to face with the boy... no no, with the man she had spent every summer with! The children and their friends flocked around, some eating ice-cream and some ordering their golaskaala khatta, Creamy Rose, mango, strawberry, rainbow... you ask for it!

Titu ran away to his friends, fighting for the last of the Cornettoes available in the shop and she found them right in front of each other now, with nothing but tides of time separating them. The sun was a giant red ball right behind him and she just looked... took in the features of this man and tried to merge it with that of the child that was imprinted in her mind.

"Geet... you are here, finally!

His voice sounded so different from that of the past; that she could remember and she found herself drifting. Their eyes locked and time let them slowly float back to the last summer!

*********

Summer 2005

Hoshiyarpur

"Darji... little geet squealed and ran to her grandfather who picked her up in his arms and twirled her around.

She was the princess of her house and her vacations were incomplete without it. She loved spending her entire summer with her darji, chaha-chachi, tayaji and tayiji, brij veerji, titu and all the kids of the lane. Every kid who knew titu and brij, knew her. Vacations were awaited like the chukar awaited the moon!

"Aaj chupa-chupi khelenge!

The kids gathered in the playground and argued on what to play. Geet held titu's hand who was just 5 years old.

"Chor police!!!

The sun was set ablaze in the bright afternoon but nothing could hold the kids back. It was just the first week of their summer vacation. After a good argument for a few minutes, they settled for hide-and-seek.

"1, 2, 3, 4,...,20, ready? the seeker kid finished counting and set out on the quest of finding other kids.

She ran between the houses, looking for a good hiding place where she wouldn't be caught easily. There was a big mango tree right behind a big house.

Perfect!

She grinned and hid behind the fat trunk, excited to catch the seeker before he does. The weather was warm and quiet. She had come a little farther away from the playground and sat down in the shade, waiting for others. Silence surrounded the area and she looked up to find the first of the ripe mangoes dangling. Tempted, she stood up, trying to climb up the lowest branch and pick one before her friends came.

"Stop!

A voice checked her and a leg dangled out of nowhere. Startled, she inched backward.

"kaun hain?

He had been sitting on a higher branch, hiding in the shade and the light and dark foliage of the tree, suckling on a ripe juicy mango.

He peeked his head out and saw a little girl trying to jump and grab of the delicious fruits.

"I should ask who you are first! he snapped.

She looked at the big new boy she had never seen before. Wearing pants that
reached half his calves and a floral printed shirt, he shot her a stern glare that scared her.

"Wo.. I wanted a mango.

He leaned back against the trunk, "well, you can't have one.

She pouted, "why?

"Because I forbid you to!

She crunched up her nose. The audacity of this boy! He was the new entrant here! She was old school.

"Give me a mango and I will go. She bit back.

"I will not give.

"The tree is not yours!

He smirked and plucked another mango. Eying her with contempt, he bit into it and sucked the delicious juice out of it.

"Technically, he wiped his lips, "this tree is mine!

She rolled her eyes, "this is not yours! This tree belongs to Paramjeet darji. And he has allowed me to pick mangoes whenever I wished to.

He cocked his head to his side, "and how do you know him?

"he is my darji's friend. Now let me have a mango.

She tried to climb and he pushed her. She lost her footing and fell on the ground on her rear; the pebbles and stones, hurting her.

"Ahhh...

He jumped down the tree and stood towering her.

"I am your "Paramjeet darji's grandson. So this tree belongs to me. Now get out of here.

Her eyes watered seeing him so rude. He was lean and tall and dark and he was mean. Sniffing, she picked herself up and went back home, crying.

A lot of cajoling and consoling had made her feel better and her darji promised he would catch hold of that boy and punish him.

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

He walked in holding his bat and looked around for his friend. It was another afternoon and he had been lonely. After much persuasion, he had carried his cricket set and went out to call his only acquaintance Brij for a match.

A familiar music wafted in the air and his head riveted towards the hall where she sat, watching 101 Dalmatians on tv.

"Oye Maan... Come Come... Brij welcomed his friend and dragged him to the
hall where she sat, making faces.

She couldn't believe he was here! That arrogant brat! The moment he sat on the couch, she cringed.

"Sit here. I will wear my shoes and come. Brij informed and saw his little cousin looking at his friend with contempt.

"Geet... this is my new friend Maan. He lives in Delhi but came here for his vacations. Say hello.

He left leaving the duo glaring at each other. She twisted her lips, "what are you doing in my house?

She stressed on the word "my and hoped he'd understand now who the boss here
is.

"this is my friend's house! I will do whatever I want!

She fumed!

Her chachi called and she rushed to the kitchen.

"Geet... go give Brij's friend this sherbet.. he has come to our house for the first time na.

She couldn't believe he was being treated as a guest... that jerk!

"but chachi why? I want to drink sherbet too.

Her chachi smiled and handed her another glass of cold pineapple sherbet, "Go. Both of you sit and drink.

She walked back to the hall and found him watching TV with great concentration.

She banged the glass on the table and twisted her lips, "Take it.

She took hers and sat on the chair way far from him and sipped her drink.

He took a sip and watched her playing with one of her pony tails and drinking her sherbet. She was irritating. And her bright red frock was more irritating than her. He glanced at the TV and then back at her and found something oddly familiar. 101 Dalmatians was still on and she was keenly watching it.

He quickly finished his drink and walked out with Brij towards the field. She glanced at the duo and followed. Playtime it was!

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

"either she plays and I go home or I play and she goes home! he announced, placing the bat on his shoulders.

"But Maan... let her play...

"Girls can't play our kind of cricket!

She felt like killing this Maan fellow! What did he even think himself! And all the other boys seemed to agree. And so, she was asked to go off.

She hated this! Never ever had been told off like this! And so, she stomped her foot on his, making him wince.

"What are you doing you fool? he jumped on one foot, feeling that pain shoot up.

She showed her tongue and ran away, "I will be the happiest if you get out at zero.

Running back into the house, she rushed to the balcony that overlooked the playground and waited for him to get out; which he eventually did.

"Loser!!! she screamed. He was out for only 10 runs.

He raised his head, shadowing his eyes with his hand and glared at her. She was jumping in her balcony, very happy with him being out.

"Cruella de Vil. He screamed back at her, now relating the show she was watching.

"Kanjus... Makkhichus... she retorted.

He ignored and went back to play.

That summer had been worse for Geet for the plague named Maan had ruined it for her. He hated her for no apparent reason and shooed her away whenever he came to play. She cried and complained but somehow managed to play with him. But he always had his ways of annoying her.

"You are Scrooge McDuck. She had called him once. It so happened that she had gone to pluck mangoes in the backyard and he had allowed everyone to take mangoes but her.

"stingy... kajus, makkhichus... you come to my house one more time, see what I do to you.

And true to her words, she had spilled an entire tumbler of lassi on his pants when he had visited her home and had laughed her head off. He had gone back home, cursing her and vowed to take revenge! That chit of a girl!

She was to leave for Chandigarh in two days. Her mother had prepared kheer and filled a big steel tiffin box to the brim. Packing it securely, she handed it to Geet and instructed her to deliver at Paramjeet Walia's house.

He sat on the porch, playing with Max, his German shepherd. The gate creaked open and she entered looking awed by the huge haveli. Max barked and he held him by the collar.

She was startled to see the big dog barking and then her eyes fell on that jerk, looking at her and smirking. She was scared of dogs! She never knew Paramjeet darji owned a dog or maybe he bought one recently. She stopped on her way and silently pleaded Maan to just let her pass. She extended the bag that contained the kheer tiffin and managed to utter, "Mein... mein kheer laayi...

He smirked and Let Max loose. He barked and ran after her.

"No.. Mummyyy... she turned back and ran away.

But it seemed Max was blood thirsty. He followed her down the lane and she ran with all her might. She was breathless and she heard Max barking.

Babaji, please help!

She tripped over a stone and fell on the road, scrapping her knees and elbows. The tiffin box rolled out of the bag and the kheer spilled on the road. He came laughing and took Max away.

"so long cruella... Hope you learned your lesson!

He walked away with Max and she sobbed. With bleeding knees and elbows, she gathered her battered self and cried her way back home.

It was the last evening before she went back home. She had gone to play with her friends one last time, with bandage on the knees and red scrapped elbows. She had gone to his haveli the next evening and had complained! And he wasn't here to play. She smirked and patted her back with pride!

He won't dare mess with you anymore Geet! Well done!

"Where is Maan? Brij asked one of the kids.

She listened keenly.

"He won't be coming to play anymore.

"Why? He knows we are playing today right!

"No. he got beaten up by his mamaji for the stunt he pulled on Geet and they are sending him back to hostel!

"what?

The kid sighed sadly, "yeah. He gets beaten up with belt and sometimes even with his own cricket bat.

Her heart broke hearing that; shock was just another emotion. She felt guilty. She had expected a slap or a good scolding but being beaten up like this!!! Guilt ate her from within. She wanted to go back and check on him and apologize for the complaints! She wanted to tell him that she'd have never complained had she knows he'd be punished so bad. But she couldn't. She left for Chandigarh the next morning and she never got to see him again!

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

see below post

Summer 2006

Hoshiyarpur

The next time she saw him was a year later, when she had been back to Hoshiyarpur during her vacations and ended up near that mango tree to pluck some juicy ripe mangoes. Titu and the rest were out to play and she decided to roam around for a while. Climbing on one of the lowest branches, she tried to reach for the one that she could see.

"Hey... what are you doing here?

A familiar yet an unfamiliar voice startled her. She lost her footing and slipped.

"Ouchhh... she winced and found herself lying on someone whose hands had been wrapped around her waist.

A girl of thirteen that she was, she quickly pried his hands off her waist and stood up, embarrassed and red.

Ohh babaji, I was in the arms of a Boy!!!

He had been strolling around and decided to just be at his favourite place when he
found her struggling to reach for the mangoes. He went closer and then she slipped. He held her and he fell too for her fall imbalanced him.

He looked the same like the last time she had seen him but he had some add-ons. A slight hint of beard on his cheeks marked the beginning of his growing and his features had sharpened. She was tempted to ask how old he was but that small scratch mark over his right eyebrow caught her attention.

"Can't you just behave human for once? he snapped and picked himself up, dusting his dress.

She seemed taller than the last time and a single plait replaced her two tiny ponytails.

"I..just wanted a mango.. she replied meekly. He rolled his eyes and gestured her to wait using his hands. He climbed up the tree, plucked a few mangoes and threw at her.

"Don't pull such stunts and don't show your face here anymore.

She was reminded of the previous summer when he had made her living miserable. And today, his offering made her look back to what she had done to him. She wanted to apologize but he shooed her away.

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

"Crazy kiya re... jaagi soyi rahun... khoyi khoyi rahun...uski yaadon mein uski khwabon mein..jhume jiya re... crazy kiya re...

She hopped around, singing, in her new jeans and top and let her hair down. Bollywood had released Dhoom 2 and all the kids were desperate to watch Hrithik Roshan in action. He was a demigod for them. And hence, Brij and his friends decided to go for the movie. Geet being his little sister was allowed too. The single screen cinema hall seemed too big for her in the tiny town of Hoshiyarpur. She was thrilled to have been able to see the movie with her older friends only because Brij had supported her.

She sat beside her brother and didn't bother about who sat next to her. The movie, she had heard from her friends, had a kissing scene between Hrithik and Aishwarya and she felt butterflies in her tummy. Back in school, her friends talked about kisses and boyfriends and mills and boon and she had zero experience in any of them. And thus, she turned cherry red at that particular scene. Butterflies in her stomach created a hurricane of sorts and she couldn't look up anymore.
Squirming, she glanced at Brij, who watched the movie with utmost seriousness like nothing affected him. And then, she glanced at the person beside her. Her eyes widened large like saucers and she found him glancing back at her. Her breath stuck in her throat and she quickly looked away. The two days old tree incident cropped up in her head and she couldn't, for the love of god, face anyone anymore now!

That night went sleepless for her. She kept tossing and turning thinking about the kiss scene and then Maan holding her like that. He never spoke to her after that and didn't bother her while playing. And slowly, the guilt came back.

As the summer came to a closure, she chided herself for not apologizing to him. Not knowing what to do, she went back to the mango tree once the sun was down and he didn't disappoint her. he sat there, reading something in the fading light.

"Ahem ahem.. she coughed to gain his attention.

He glanced up at her and then dug into his books once again, "You can't have anymore mangoes. Now go away.

"No.. I... I just came to apologize.

He raised his brows at her, successfully getting diverted from his book, "Cruella saying sorry?

He faked a shocking expression, "for what?

She twisted her lips and plopped herself beside him, under the tree, "For the complaint I made the last time and...

She wondered how to speak without reminding him of the bad memories.

"...and? he waited.

"..and for the beating you got. She managed to murmur.

His silence made her restless and she did what she could the best. Blabber!

"I am sorry. I didn't know you would get beaten. I wanted to say sorry back then but I went back home...

"Its okay.

"what? her jaws dropped. He forgave her this easily?

Impossible!

He looked far into the distance and stood up, "its okay. now bye.

He walked away like nothing happened and she kept sitting there, wondering how to react. Did he forgive her or not? She got up and found one of his notebooks lying where he sat. Picking it up, she read the name tag.

Name: Maan Khurana

Std: X Sec: A

Subject: Mathematics

School: DPS, R.K Puram.

She walked home slowly kicking a pebble all the way and holding his notebook. Three things she learned today. First, he studied in DPS and was staying in hostel. Second, he might be, as per her calculations, around 16 years old. And third, his 10^th board exams were approaching.

**********

Summer 2008

Hoshiyarpur

The summer of 2007 remained vague to him because he never knew how it passed! It just did. He was busy with his board exams and he did exceptionally well. Scoring a 95% had opened so many doors for him and everyone he knew wanted him to do one thing or the other. His father just called up from his trip and congratulated him. That's all. The only person who seemed truly happy about him was his grandfather back in HP. He wanted him to spend his holiday with him but Maan had planned it all. He had wished to visit his father in Muscat which he did and regretted it with every inch of his existence. And then he decided, he would never see him again. He chose Commerce in his 11^th and got down to study. It was only when he had finished his final exams in 11^th; he had visited HP in the summer and found no changes in the atmosphere or the behaviour of people.

His mama and maami remained aloof, as usual and his grandfather's love remained unconditional. Brij still remained his friend and the summer still remained warm and airy and pleasant. The kids still played in the old field and the mango tree still yielded the same sweet mangoes. Perhaps, the only one who changed was her!

He was out in the field, playing cricket with his friends long after the sun had gone down and then, she had walked in, playing with her dupatta, calling out to her cousins. At first, he couldn't recognize her and so, he stopped his batting mid way and took a proper look. The first thing that came to his mind wasbeautiful. Had Titu not called out her name, he wouldn't have recognised her. Geet! He hadn't been able to take his eyes off her until she had caught him openly gaping at her and run away.

He saw her again in a dinner hosted by her family because of her tayaji and tayiji's marriage anniversary. He had been there with his grandfather and found her playing with her friends. She wore a sky blue suit and let her hair down. They had grown longer... almost reaching her waist. She stood up and chased her friend.
He sat with his grandfather, observing her. She looked taller and fuller at the perfect places. He shook his head and looked away, chiding himself to have been checking her out like that.

He stood by the table that served so many varieties of food that he remained dazed as what to eat. Hostel only served one kind and he had learned to live with that.

Her bangles chimed as she stood right beside him and dropped a hot ghee dripping parantha on his plate.

"Don't be stingy Mr. Scrooge. We are paying for the food! she teased.

He gasped and looked at her smiling face that stunned him! How can one grow up to be this beautiful? But he wasn't the one to let go this easily. He smiled and moved forward. She moved with him too, picking up everything and placing it on her plate.

"Careful there! You may just burst like a balloon by the end of the party Cruella!

She wondered if his voice changed and gaped at him for a few seconds before following him to the seating.

"You are eating alone? she looked around and found none of his friends.

"I am not as infamous as you are... he teased.

She twisted her lips and plopped herself on the chair beside her, "You are so mean.

He dipped the parantha in the gravy and popped it in his mouth, "And you are so cruel!

"Hawww! When was I cruel to you?

He smirked, "Trust me you don't want to be reminded of that again!

She looked at his face angrily and then at the scar right over his right eyebrow which had still endured.

"What is this scratch mark over your eyebrow?

He let his left hand press it a little and sighed, "Nothing.

"But you didn't have it until a year back.

He stared at her for a while and then shook his head, "Nothing. It was just a bruise. I had to go for a stitch.

His sad eyes held her captive for a very long time and upon a bit of investigation, she knew where it came from. She felt bad and she decided she'd do anything to make him feel better.

He never knew this summer would be the most beautiful of all where he'd find her everywhere around him. She had changed in ways he had never expected her to. She remained with her girl friends, seldom came to the fields to play and passed shy smiled when their eyes met. The 17-going-to-be-18 year heart skipped beats every time she'd come to his view, laughing, teasing, making faces and what not.

She had come to his house another time to give something that her chachi had prepared and Max barked. She got scared and stopped by the gate, waiting for someone to help her out. Warm hands rested on her shoulders from behind and she jumped.

He smirked, "still scared eh?

Sweaty that he was, he had come back home after playing in the field all afternoon. She gulped hard slowly inched away from him.

"I..I got something.

He opened the gate and gestured her to enter, "he is chained. You can come in.

She looked around and took a step inside.

"wait. Tell me first, what you got!

His eyes questioned and she felt she'd swoon. He was so much grown up now, so well built. He played a lot perhaps.

"Umm... chachi made jalebi... I got this for darji..

He crossed his hands and tapped his foot, "Darji ke liye jalebi laayi aur mere liye?

"Ji?? her eyes widened in surprise as she looked up at him, half amused, half confused.

He narrowed his brows at her, "Bolo Bolo... mere liye kuch nahi layi? I don't like jalebis..

"You don't? that was only what she could say at this moment. he, with his eyes and authority, swept her 15 year old heart in full swing.

He rolled his eyes, "No. I don't.

"but they are tasty... she mumbled.

"I am not going to eat those. Since nothing is for me, I guess I have to sleep empty stomach tonight.

He had walked away and she couldn't help feeling low.

He wondered if he felt this happy before... especially after his mother's death ten years back when she had handed him a bowl of kheer, specially made for him. He had relished it and he knew there was something special about her. Something between them was going to change.

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

Summer 2009

Hoshiyarpur

The whole year from 2008-2009 went in desperate waiting and endless talking over phones. He had given her his cell phone number (he got his first phone from his father just to keep in touch) before leaving HP the previous year and never expected her to call him until one fine evening. He had been lying down in his room in hostel when his phone had beeped with an unknown landline number. Her first call to him remained etched forever in his memory. She was shy, she was scared and she was excited all at once...so much so that she had started blabbering. He had that intense urge to just pull her cheeks out but he knew he couldn't. They had talked about his upcoming 12^thboards, his choice of college, her studies, her friends, her favourite tv shows... everything.

And the ritual started. She was in 9^th then and called him whenever her parents were away or whenever she could.

"I really really like you so much Geet.

He had once confessed in the spur of the moment and she had almost lost her footing. In so many days, she had come to realize that he was a very reserved person, kept to himself and had very few friends. And she felt herself lucky to be the one who was his confidante, the one who would know everything about him... starting from his favourite food to the thing that he despised the most. She had even gone back to school and had proudly announced that she had a boyfriend now who looked like Tom Cruise and enjoyed her friends turning green with envy.

But this time, the summer seemed cruel than ever. It was beating down flames and everyone remained home. The children didn't play in the field late until the evening and he never came out of the house. He had finished his 12^thboards and got into one of the best colleges in India for his degree in Commerce. He had been ecstatic about sharing the news with his grandfather but alas, things never turned out the way he had expected. He was greeted by the last breaths of his beloved grandfather and then he was gone.

She had never felt this detached from him in all these months. He never spoke, he never came to play and he hardly talked. She went to him, cried and fought but all he did was press his lips on her forehead and go back his own little world.

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

Summer 2010

Delhi

He rejected her call the third time and hated himself for doing so. But he was done with everything back there. She remained though, in every moment of his waking but realities of life hit him hard. He struggled with his studies and fought with his fate every single day. He had asked her not to call but she did. She did relentlessly.

She called when she entered her 10^th standard, she called him on his birthday, she even called him when she went to HP and he never came. She cried and all he did was ask her to concentrate on her studies. The last summer had changed it all.

He closed his eyes and recalled his beautiful days back in HP. He'd play in the field and she'd stand on her balcony, jumping and teasing. He missed his grandfather who listened to him without a pause and he missed her! His phone rang and he picked it up, one last time.

"Maan... please talk to me. she cried.

"I am busy right now.

"Please. Don't do this. Don't you know I can't stay without talking to you?

He pinched the bridge of his nose and hardened his heart, "stop pursuing something that isn't important. Concentrate on your studies and do well in your boards.

He disconnected the phone and thought it was over. But she never stopped calling. Despite his aloofness, she waited.

"I will wait for you till the very end.

Coming from a 16 year old, he thought she was living in a dream world and in the fiction.

"Reality is very different Geet. He had replied.

He changed his number then and never went back to HP.

And she kept waiting...

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

Summer 2011

Hoshiyarpur

He decided to take a stroll along the lanes of the town and relive the old beautiful days. The first death anniversary of his grandfather had left a bittersweet nostalgia in his mind and heart. He had decided against coming back but he had to... for his grandfather.

And for her too...

His heart knew it well. Would she be here like the previous years? She must have completed her 10^th now. He was curious to see her, talk to her, and tell her how much he had missed her. Hp had nothing more to offer than her. Being an illegitimate child, he wasn't welcome in his own house anymore. This was the last it was ever going to be. He walked towards the mango tree that hid him from the world and found her sitting underneath, lost in her own world.

She aged like wine it seemed...more beautiful than ever, more poised, and more graceful. He remained still for a while, watching her blank eyes, looking into oblivion and her fingers playing with her yellow dupatta.

The sound of his feet broke her reverie and she glanced at the man who now stood in front of her with a burden of his own. Her eyes twinkled as she got up and ran towards him. Hugging him tightly, she pressed her head on to his chest and sobbed.

"I knew... I knew you'd come. You don't know how much I have waited for you Maan... every night I prayed to my babaji... every waking hour I have spent on you, thinking if you were doing alright, if you were okay, if you were happy... and I knew one day my babaji will listen to me... and he did. He did...

He realized now that the emptiness that he saw in her eyes was nothing but an endless wait for him. Overwhelmed at the affection, the love she showered on him, he hugged her back tightly.

"You are crazy Cruella... he whispered. He gave into the moment of weakness and let his guard down, forgetting his fears of losing everyone he ever loved.

That summer night saw the most beautiful meeting of hearts. They sat under the tree, talking and smiling and complaining. But she never asked why he cut off ties with her... he wondered at the kind of woman she was turning out to be. One topic came after the other and he realized every moment of her life, she had waited for him in those two years. He felt alive, until they stopped at the topic of her career and he heard the result. She had scored low.

He felt guilty. She had been so lost in him, so much into waiting for him that she gave up on her studies. He scolded her and asked her not to think of him anymore.

She cried. A beautiful night turned painful when he decided to leave the very next day.

"Maan... please. I don't want to wait so much again. I love you.

He stilled hearing those words from her mouth and then realized the depth of his own feelings. But life wasn't easy for him. He had to struggle and she would just get dragged along. Struggles, she didn't deserve.

"If you love me Geet, will you do something for me?

"Anything.

"Don't ever come back.

"what?

"Don't wait for me. Don't come here looking for me. Instead, study hard and make me proud.

She begged him not to leave but he was adamant. She wiped off her tears and gave her verdict.

"Fine. Go your way. I will do as you say and I won't even step back in HP but don't ask me to not wait for you.

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

Present

Summer 2016

Hoshiyarpur

She had waited for him all these years, not knowing if he was alive or dead, not knowing if he survived or succumbed to life, not knowing if he ever loved her back. But she never came back to HP until now... until she was bound to because of the wedding of a close cousin in the family. And she hadn't expected him to be here...after all these years... after the last summer!

"Geet didi... pick your ice cream... Titu called out to her. She looked away and shook her head, "No. I don't want to eat now.

Titu ran away with his friends and he just kept watching her. He had come back the very next year and then the year after and yet again... but she never came back. Years and months and days were what now remained between them and after years he felt his heart beat again. The sun went down the horizon and children walked back home. She turned to leave and he held her hand, stopping her.

Electric current passed through her veins as she revelled in that touch... that ruggedness of his palms still very much there; she remembered! She turned back and tried to pull her hand back but he held it firm.

"Don't run away now..

His voice was like soothing balm over her agonized heart.

"I have waited for you so long... he confessed.

She raised her eyes and looked into his. Dark brown eyes... she remembered still; looking straight down at hers, held her still on her spot.

She had nothing to say.

He inched closer and now stood right in front of her, head to head but a lot taller now and a lot masculine.

A long finger of his went and pushed away that stray lock of hair that teased her skin.

"I never thought I'd see you again..

"But you were the one who had asked me to go away right. She spoke with a little hurt in her voice.

"Yes I did... he admitted.

"Why Maan? Why did you push me away when you knew things could have worked out between us?

He was surprised at her straightforwardness but then that was a part of her personality.

"Because I wanted you to flourish.

"NOT like this! she retorted.

He sighed, "I know I was being insensitive but trust me when I say Geet that I really wanted to answer you back then but I couldn't. I was a mess and I didn't want to drag you into it.

"So, are you better now? That is why you are here, aren't you? Because your mess is over, you came back... her eyes held hurt of years that had passed.

"I was never better...

She pulled her hand away forcefully and ran away. She had waited enough and that wait seemed to be her friend. It was way better to live like that, without any expectations. His presence now rattled her.

Days passed like they used to and she avoided him like he were a plague. His duties called and he wouldn't leave until he told her what he felt. It was the wedding and the entire town was perhaps invited. She was running around with the last minute preparations and went back to the mandap to check the final things.

"Geet..

His voice startled her and she jumped.

"Don't scare me like that.

"We need to talk.

"I don't want to talk. She picked up the flowers basket and walked out.

He followed, "Geet, I have been trying to tell you something for the past few days. Why don't you listen to me?

"Because I don't care! she snapped.

"Really? he stopped and arched his brows.

She stopped and looked back at him, "Go to town with your talk but I really don't care Maan.

"Not when I say I am going forever and won't be coming back?'

She gasped and stilled.

He went closer and snatched the basket from her hands and kept it away. Holding
her hand, he dragged her away... away from everyone... from prying eyes and disturbing mouths. He opened the gate to his house and made her sit on the steps of the porch.

Kneeling in front of her, he held both her hands, "Yes. I am leaving.

So, he was going again? Her heart constricted in a simmering pain that came back to her after years.

"Where? she managed to whisper.

"I got this huge deal from a Canadian company for my start-up and they want me to work with them. I am leaving.

"When? she felt a thin film of tears forming in her eyes. It was all back to the last summer.

"In a three months. I will be done with the formalities and then shift.

"Will you ever come back? her voice broke.

He leaned closer to that beautiful face and caressed her cheek, "Will you wait for me?

A drop of tear rolled down, "I... I don't know..

He found her trembling. With so many emotions running through her, he was scared that she'd break down.

"Not when I ask you to come with me?

"I don't...

She stopped and looked up to meet his eyes; mirth floating those dark brown orbs, she saw him smile.

"Yes Geet. Come with me. Be mine. I know I hurt you but I wanted to make my world better for you.

She felt her body numb with his words. She wondered if it was all a dream and that it'd all vanish when she'd wake up.

His finger came up and wiped that tear off her face, "I knew it was you from the very beginning but I was a mess. I still am. But a better mess... a mess who can make your life better... not worse! Despite promising myself, I came back to this place every summer and waited for you like you'd wait for me... hoping that one day I'd get to say all this to you. and this is the day... will you come with me Geet? Will you be mine?

She could not, for the love of god, express better than crying her eyes out in his arms. He was here for her...after all those beautiful summers and those times spent in wait; she'd finally be where she belonged.

"I have loved you ever since the day I saw you for the first time. But still, if you want me to say it, then I'd gladly oblige. I love you Geet and nothing could ever change that.

She remained in his arms, limp and happy and sad and hopeful and anxious all at the same time. How much time passed, none realized until the warm summer breeze gushed past them. Even though it was a pleasant night, the breeze remained warm. She let his fingers lace with hers and his lips kiss her lips in a soft stroke. The summer had finally blossomed...

***********