Falling for You Thread 2|| - Page 20

Chapter 30

Maan cursed inwardly as he stepped out of the car, surrounding the large dressed up house was crowds of people, loud music playing and excited chatter of the guests; he turned to Dadima who tugged Geet along happily. Geet smiled faintly looking around consciously, he knew she wasn't as comfortable and was in the same boat as he was.

He looked around for Vikrant hoping to find his brother and stay with him even if he was annoyed but it was going to be better than standing alone at a corner letting others come to him. He didn't want to be speaking to anyone right because he was only going to lash out on them. The loud music and seeing the excitement radiated on everyone's faces was downright infuriating.

"Hey" He turned around and saw Karan step beside him.

"What are you even doing here?" Maan frowned.

"Dadima forced me to come since she knew you're going to be a quite a loner. I was planning to head home and sleep" he replied, his lips thinning into a tight smile. "And thanks to you I'm having to keep you company so you don't runaway"

"Did I call you?" Maan hissed. "And I'm not running anywhere"

"So you weren't looking for Vikrant" Karan questioned.

"Why would I look for him?" Maan questioned nonchalantly keeping a straight face.

"So you'd make sure he was here, he'd be able to take care of Dadima and bhabhi then you'd be free to walk out?" Karan smirked. "Nice idea though"

Maan shook his head. "Well since you've figured it out, you can cover me" he replied.

"Nu uh. Dadima is going to hang me dry and you know it" Karan shook his head.

"Well how about once Vikrant gets here, we both leave. I mean look around, you really wanna be around squealing women and this loud music?" Maan asked gesturing him to look around the chaotic hall.

"No, I'd rather go back home and sleep but not all wishes come true, you know Dadima will throttle us both if we walk out and end up embarrassing her" Karan replied reminding Maan that disappointing Dadima meant having her on their backs till they'd pleased her.

"I'm going for some fresh air, this place is suffocating" he sighed and turned to walk away. He stepped outside sighing in relief, and walked out onto the lush green grass. The cool air outside had slightly calmed him down, the music now seemed to be at a distance along with the squeals of excited guests. Maan noticed a river from where he stood, intrigued he walked down the path wanting to see it, there was a small deck as well as chair on the deck.

He was pulled away from his thoughts when he felt a warm arm entwine with his, he turned his head ready to burn the person with his look however softened instantly seeing Geet.

"Geet?" Maan looked at her in question.

"Woh... woh Maan..." she stared at him nervously withdrawing her arm from his and fidgeted in her place, she threw a look over her shoulder seeing the guy who'd followed her out, he was stood pretending to look around. However Geet had gotten negative vibes from him the moment she'd noticed his eyes on her. She looked around hoping she found someone she knew but Vikrant hadn't arrived yet with her friends and she'd lost Dadima amidst the crowd. She did find Maan walking away and this was her only chance of getting away from the stranger.

"What's wrong Geet?" Maan looked at her, something was obviously bothering her.

"Aap... woh main..." she looked over her shoulder once again.

Maan looked in the direction she was staring in, he frowned noticing someone lingering outside avoiding to look into this direction. As if he were doing it purposely.

"Was someone following you?" he questioned Geet who tensed instantly, Maan knew then her answer, however wanted to know for sure. "Geet?"

She hummed softly, "I can't find Dadima, Vikrant hasn't come yet" she muttered. "I don't want to go back yet"

"I'll take you to Dadima if you want" he responded to which she shook her head confusing.

"Nahi... I don't want to go back in. There's a lot of people"

"Um... okay" Maan cleared his throat. "Do you want to come with me?" he asked trying to suggest something which will keep her away from the house and away from that stranger who he planned to confront later on.

"Where are you going?" She questioned him curiously, she didn't think he could go anywhere as this house of the Sharma's was the only one in sight with all the greenery surrounding them. It was more of a farmhouse than anything else.

"I'm going there" Maan pointed to the deck. "There's a place to sit so we can go and stay there for some time" he replied.

"Oh, what about if Dadima looks for us?" she frowned.

"Dadima knows my number so she can call"

"What if she calls for me?" she questioned.

"Where's your phone?" he asked her.

"I didn't bring it, I wore a saree so I couldn't put it anywhere" she replied.

"I'll call her now then" he responded and called Dadima. Geet shifted closer to Maan seeing the stranger leer at her, she felt uneasy just being in his sight. Maan noticed it and glared at the stranger who instantly looked away pretending to look elsewhere, however Maan had caught him secretly stealing glances of Geet.

"Dadima it's me and you don't need to yell" Maan responded to whatever she'd shouted in response.

"Bete talk louder, I can't hear" she responded back raising her voice.

"I can" Maan replied. "I'm outside with Geet so if you need her call me"

"Geet ke saat?" Dadima was surprised however it did amuse her at the same time.

"Yes Dadima"

"You're romancing your wife here out of all the places and dates you can go on" she laughed. Maan instantly cut the call and cleared his throat trying to keep his face from heating up so Geet didn't notice his embarrassment. "Um she knows now" he informed passing her a tight smile.

Geet nodded and walked down alongside him, occasionally looking behind her to see where the stranger was, she was pleased to see he wasn't lingering around anymore.

"Hi" Amelia jumped out of the car greeting Karan who walked out to meet them. "Where's Dadima?" she looked around.

"Dadima's inside, she's asked for you both to join her" he responded and looked at Vikrant. "What will you be doing?"

"Me? I'm going with my girl" he slipped his arm around Meera's shoulder grinning widely whilst Karan shot him a stern look. He had hoped to stay with Vikrant since Maan had disappeared off somewhere and was getting annoyed with the women constantly staring at him.

"No you're not" Karan held his arm pulling him away from Meera. "They're going to Dadima, you're staying with me"

"What? No! Meers?"

"Uh I'll meet you later" She responded and quickly headed inside. "Amelia" she called when Amelia didn't follow.

"Um actually Vicky babe why don't you go in? I'll stay with Karan" she offered.

"No thank you" Karan replied tightly dragging Vikrant away.

"Yaar this Karan" She muttered as she joined Meera.

"Don't even bother, you know he doesn't like girls"

"Exactly, and I don't know why I like him like this" she grumbled. "You know, his no nonsense and serious akdu attitude makes me want him even more" she grabbed on to Meera's arm complaining.

"Okaaay whatever. Let's go find Dadima, where's Geet anyways?" she looked around for her friend.

Geet sat down on the chair whilst Maan leaned against the wooden barrier, the small river looked amazing especially now that night had fallen, the moonlight's reflection was shining brightly.

"Enjoying the function?" Maan asked as he slowly walked to the other side of the barrier taking a better look at the river.

"It's okay" she shrugged. She didn't like crowded and loud places, it just didn't go down with her well.

"Geet... about last night" Maan turned around to face her. "I didn't want to hurt you, it was unintentional"

"It's okay, I understand" she shrugged. Last night's talk was already forgotten, she brushed it off reminding herself he wasn't someone who divulged about his life to anyone let alone sharing things about himself to some therapist. She looked down at her folded hands resting on her lap, her eyes drew to the wedding ring she was given, she knew her husband hadn't bought it, nor had he even made her wear it. All she'd gotten was the family ring by Dadima saying it was her wedding a ring. She concentrated on the ring she'd worn, it was quite a unique design, something old, vintage but quite a beautiful work on it. She was pulled away from her thoughts when Maan spoke up.

"That ring was Dadima's" Maan noticed Geet twisting the ring.

"Oh, um... it's beautiful" she smiled. "Was it always in the family?"

"Dadaji brought it for her, he proposed to her with that ring" Maan informed coming to stand beside her seat, his eyes on the ring. "My... dad wanted to give it to his wife"

"You mean mama?" she frowned.

"She isn't a mother of mine" he replied tightly looking ahead in the open distance. "Dadima knew she was wrong for the family but my dad married her, she never got a hold of the ring because somewhere Dadima knew the woman had venom running through her"

Geet couldn't make out what he was saying, his words confused her however somewhere she was slowly understanding something, Maan was telling her something about his life.

"How come Dadima gave it to me?" she questioned when Maan didn't talk anymore, she guessed he didn't want to talk any longer.

Maan sighed heavily as he realized he'd divulged a little part of the bitter truth he hadn't ever thought he'd recall. He didn't want to remember the woman! His blood boiled at the mere thought of her. He turned his head to Geet swallowing hard. "I guess... I guess she knew you weren't like her" he muttered then walked past her.

He brushed a hand through his hair, how could he have even brought this up? Especially to Geet. He thought of her past which made him look over his shoulder, he saw her stood at the deck looking at him utterly confused.

"Let's go back Geet" he held out his hand for her. "You're going to need help walking up this small hill" he pointed behind the hill they'd walked down to reach here. Coming down was the easy bit but it was the going up which was hard.

She stretched out her hand and took his hand, Maan helped her up the rocky path, Geet was finding it difficult to walk in her heels, with the saree it was even more difficult.

"Ouch" She stumbled over a rock almost tripping, Maan gripped her hand keeping her steady.

"I think you'll have to take your heels off" he pointed.

"But my saree's going to get dirty" she responded. "And we can't even go back and change" she reminded.

Maan looked at the rocky hill and now almost regretted it. "We won't be able to make it like this without you at least tripping over a couple of times" he rested his hands on his hips and looked around for some smooth pathway which leads up back to the large yard.

He stared at Geet for a moment then spoke up again. "Can I?" he shifted closer to her.

"Ji?" a frown marred her forehead.

"Just don't scream or anything" Maan responded and in a jerk scooped her up in his arms earning a loud shriek to his ear.

"I said not to scream Geet" he looked at her sternly.

"A...aap ko mujhe puchna chahiye ta" she mumbled holding onto him tightly.

"You would've refused" he shrugged and concentrated on walking up the rocky path.

She didn't speak instead had stayed quiet, they didn't think of anything else but getting back to the yard.

"Maan" Geet stammered.

"We're nearly there" he responded.

"Wahan dekhiye" she pointed, Maan looked up and pressed his eyes closed muttering curses beneath his breath. Vikrant and Karan were stood at the top grinning widely, Vikrant took this opportunity to click pictures with his phone, he quickly sent them to Dadima and showed them to Karan who started laughing.

Maan placed her down as they had reached the yard and glared at the two of them who were grinning ever so widely.

"One word and you're both good as dead!" he warned.

"How was the hiking bhabhi?" Vikrant questioned, Geet blushed and quickly pushed past him heading inside.

"Are you asking for a death wish?" Maan stepped closer to Vikrant and grabbed his phone out of his hand. "This is mine now" he shoved into his pocket.

"What? Bhai that's my phone" Vikrant replied in shock.

"You should've remembered that when you took our pictures" he replied tightly.

"Oh come on, that's like one of wonders of the world. Maan Singh Khurana carrying a woman, that too his wife" Vikrant laughed. "Oww" he yelled when Maan his neck.

"Anything else to add?" he clipped out.

"Um no, sorry" Vikrant squeaked out, Maan released him shooting a glare in his direction. He looked at Karan who was staring at him amused. "You want to add something else or..."

"I didn't say a thing" Karan held up his hand.

"Good!" he stalked off back inside the house, he caught another glance at his brother and Karan who had burst out laughing. They're never going to let him hear the end of it he thought to himself.

Geet had found Dadima and noticed Dadima grinning widely, she however didn't say anything, she was wise enough not to embarrass Geet here. Geet avoided her eyes as much as she could and continued to look elsewhere.

"Bete hum kuch nahi kahenge" Dadima smiled brightly.

"Aap... Amelia aur Meera ko bhi nahi kahenge" it was a request but she was pleading hopefully. She didn't need her friends on her back teasing her.

"Mmhmm" Dadima hummed nodding her head, she pulled Geet with her and waved to Meera and Amelia to join them.

"Where were you?" Meera asked as they joined Geet's side.

"Just went out for some fresh air" she muttered. "Dadima when will we be going home?"

"They're going to exchange rings soon bete" Dadima replied. "Then they've put on dinner. After dinner?" she added.

Geet nodded however she wanted to run away, she thought of 2 minutes she was in Maan's arms, she couldn't brush away the slight emptiness she'd felt as soon as he'd put her down. She didn't realize when she was in his arms, she dipped her eyes down not wanting anyone to read her eyes, afraid of her secret of being let out. She bit her cheek blushing slightly remembering Karan and Vikrant.

"Where are you lost madam?" Amelia tapped her shoulder.

"Huh... nowhere. I'm just tired" she swallowed hard when she caught her husband staring at her from a distance. He was directly opposite her, only there were people in between the space of 5 feet. She turned away from his eyes and started conversing with Amelia and Meera however she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was still staring.

Maan had stared at his wife for the last few minutes, he wondered what made him speak about the poisonous woman who was once in his life.

Hurts don't go away until you speak about them, face them. He recalled Dadima's words, the very words she'd always said to him whenever he was in pain about his past.

He curled his fingers and clenched tightly, his eyes hardened as he stared at Geet. She was affecting him, he didn't want to acknowledge, he'd promised to give Geet a chance, he knew she was genuine and wasn't the type of woman he'd thought she was. But it was hard, he'd felt vulnerable right now, he'd expressed a part of his past unconsciously which could only mean that Geet questions about his past. Hadn't he done that? Hadn't he gone behind her back and found out about her past? He questioned inwardly. Wasn't it only fair he shared it with her?

He shook his head, he couldn't. He didn't want to open his past wounds and reveal that side of his, he didn't want to be bared open before her, he couldn't.

Maan turned around heading in the direction of the front door, he had to get out of here, he was passing by in a rush and had ended up bumping into someone. He looked at the person and his eyes darkened. It was the same guy who'd followed Geet.

Maan held the guy's elbow without giving him a chance to respond and pulled him out from the noisy crowd and into the dark quiet night.

"Why were you following my wife before?" Maan questioned shoving him against the wall and out of view so no one could see them.

"Um... I was jus..." he was sweating already and cowered back.

"Don't lie to me! Listen to me carefully, you go 5 feet near her I'm going to rip you apart. Stay away from my wife" he grit out through his teeth. "You don't know who you're messing with" The guy nodded hurriedly shaking with fear and escaped quickly.

Maan sighed heavily and leaned against the wall, he had to gather himself together.

Could he ever bare his heart to Geet? Allow her to see him for what he was?

- Hello, I am back in August as I mentioned previously. However, I cannot for the life of me come every day to post with this new GF banner we have for our Forum. Hence, I have started a post for participants for this banner. In the hopes of getting a new banner and if you're willing to participate please express your interest here

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/geet-hui-sabse-parayee/4882304/banner-contest

Chapter 31

"Done Dadima?" Maan looked at her as she walked out with Geet after bidding bye to the Sharma's. He'd been waiting since they'd finished dinner and had avoided Geet for quite some time as well.

Dadima responded with a nod smiling softly, he opened the back door open for her and she climbed in. Geet was about to follow when Dadima grabbed the handle closing it.

"Dadima" Geet called.

"Bete aage jaake bait jaiye" she'd responded opening the window.

Maan didn't say anything instead climbed inside and settled down waiting for Geet to round the car and get in. Once they were settled he started up the car and drew away.

Maan straightened when his phone started ringing, he'd pulled it out ready to answer when Dadima intervened.

"Maan you're driving, don't answer the phone"

"Dadima it might be someo..."

"Geet aap answer karke keh dijiye ke Maan phone answer nahi kar sakte"

"Ji?" Geet frowned in confusion.

"It's okay, I won't answer" Maan replied tightly shaking his head at Dadima.

"Aap jante hai ke safe nahi hai drive pe phone par baat karna, phir bhi..." she chided.

"Alright Dadima, I haven't answered" he responded.

As soon as he drew up the driveway and parked, Maan pulled out his phone dialling the last number that'd rung and started speaking to the person on the other line.

"Have you done what I asked?" he questioned.

...

"Okay, we've come as well. We're coming in" he responded, his answers confused both Dadima and Geet as they stepped out. Dadima shrugged when Geet looked at her for some kind of clue, she gestured Geet to follow her in and leave Maan to his phone.

Maan noticed them heading inside and cut the call trailing behind them, he stopped just a feet away as he noted Dadima and Geet had halted in their places.

"Maa..." Geet whispered in surprise seeing her mother sat in the hall.

Rano smiled brightly, her eyes moist with tears seeing her daughter, she quickly walked over taking Geet into her arms. Tears slid down Geet's cheeks seeing her mother here, she hugged her back tightly holding onto her not wanting to let her go.

After a moment they both slowly parted however Rano didn't let her go, she cupped both her daughter's cheeks and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Aap yahan?" she questioned looking around for any sign of any other members of the family, she didn't think her mother would be allowed here especially alone.

"Haan, woh Maan bete ne kahan ke tere saat kuch waqt bitau. Ussne hi intezaam kiya hai mere aane ke" she responded, she did also recall Maan asking her not to reveal to Geet he had been to Hoshiarpur nor he wanted Geet to know of her past. She doesn't deserve to know that she's an orphan, her life had enough miseries as it was.

Geet looked over her shoulder looking at Maan, her eyes conveying her thanks silently. Maan faintly smiled nodding in her direction and excused himself leaving them alone to catch up with each other.

Dadima greeted Rano exchanging pleasantries then excused herself after asking Nakul to set the guest room for Rano. Geet pulled her mother to the sofa and started on asking about Hoshiarpur.

"Aap yahan kaise aagaye? Daarji maan gaye?"

"Tere... tere Daarji, Brij, tere chachu koi ghar pe nahi hai" She replied.

"Par..."

"Woh loug salaakhon ke peeche hai Geet" she responded then explained how she'd told the police everything from each atrocities they acted upon, just as she'd agreed to Maan she hadn't revealed that it was Maan who had encouraged her, supported her, provided her with one of the best lawyers and restraining orders.

"Toh phir aap aur chachi.." she trailed off wondering how her aunt must've taken this.

Rano explained that her aunt had supported her in the case by becoming a witness and providing evidence.

"Aap dono teek haina?" Geet asked concerned, they'd taken such a big step, she was sure they were bound to be enemies since her grandfather, cousin and uncle had quite a few influences on people.

"Haan, humne haveli ko bandh kar ke, bech bhi di, aur wahan se Delhi shift ho rahe hai, ghar bhi mil gayi hai" she responded, and she had done this with the help of her sister in law, the haveli had only bad memories and she wanted to be near Geet. Her sister in law Mohini agreed instantly preferring to leave Hoshiarpur behind as their life would always been in danger if they stayed especially with the influence their men had on the people outside. Geet smiled as she listened, she was elated seeing her mother here leaving behind the past, a past they wouldn't need to look back on. She understood from Rano that Maan had gotten the driver to bring them here from their Delhi apartment since they were fairly new and that she had been requesting Maan for some time that she'll like to see her daughter.

Maan was changed and stood by the window, he'd been pleased seeing how happy both Geet and her mother was, in the week of staying in Hoshiarpur he had worked hard in encouraging Rano to file the complaint for this would only continue if she didn't do anything. His words won't mean a thing in court, in the eyes on the court he'd only be a witness whereas the victims who'd suffered had they done it it'd be a much stronger case where the family could be prosecuted and sentenced. He knew the men of Geet's family were behind bars awaiting trial as he had made it impossible for them to get bail citing they were a danger to Rano and her aunt even asking the lawyer to explain to the judge how they'd only escape the village if they got out. Bail was denied and now they were awaiting trial.

He was pulled away from his thoughts when he heard a knock. "Come in" he called turning around to face whoever it was. "Geet" he whispered as she opened the door and stepped in tentatively. He walked towards her meeting her halfway. "Is everything okay?" he asked in concern.

Geet had pleaded Rano to sleep in her room wanting to spend the next couple of nights with her mother, Rano agreed and was getting ready for bed, Geet was about to change when she recalled about Rano mentioning Maan so she walked out of her room to speak to him wanting to thank him herself.

"I..." she played with her fingers looking around his room, "Woh actually... main thank you kehna chahti ti" she mumbled. "You got... mama here and... made me happy"

Maan's ears perked up, he stared at her as he registered her words, he hadn't ever thought he was capable of making anyone happy, especially not his wife. It was rare for him to make his own Dadima happy and here just by doing the simple act of hiring men to bring Rano to their home had pleased Geet.

"I... it was nothing. I hadn't done much" he replied.

"You've... not realized how.. much you did" Geet looked up staring directly at him. "You reunited... me and maa. I didn't think I'd see her for a long time... especially after" she paused for a moment recalling the last time her mother was here and how that day had gone down. "Thank you" she whispered wiping the tear that'd escaped. "I won't have enough words to thank you... It really does mean a lot to me" She moved closer and hugged him warmly expressing her gratitude, Maan was surprised but held her gently.

Geet pulled back slowly moving a step back, she knew she'd hugged him what she didn't expect was to feel this type of warmth from him, she kept her eyes lowered to the ground all of a sudden feeling shy. "Um... good night" she murmured and quickly escaped when Maan responded the same.

He turned away once she was gone sighing heavily, his hands fisting by his sides. His emotions all over the place, Geet's relationship with her mother only brought up memories he'd wanted to forget. He pressed his eyes closed raking a hand through his hair in frustration, he pinched the bridge of his nose... Geet was on his mind as well, her happiness in seeing her mother had pleased him despite the pain he'd felt within, she'd... even hugged him allowing herself to closer to him and he'd... he liked it.

Sleep wasn't going to come so soon to him so he walked out heading downstairs to the gym wanting to tire himself before even attempting to sleep.

For Geet it'd been a completely different night, she found comfort in her mother's arms and dozed off instantly hugging Rano tightly.

"Maan you don't look so well" Dadima commented when he'd walked down joining everyone for breakfast in the morning.

"I'm not feeling well Dadima" he replied. "I just didn't have enough sleep"

She touched his forehead and neck. "You're getting a cold and fever" she shook her head.

"Plus you went swimming" Vikrant added. "I heard you, so obviously you won't feel well"

"How many times do I have to tell you not to go swimming in the night?" Dadima questioned him in disappointment. "It's cold in the night, the temperature drops to almost negatives and you're..."

"Dadima I got bored in the gym so I decided to swim for a little while" Maan cut her off. "It wasn't for long"

"That doesn't mean you're well now" she replied. "I don't want you working today at all. Go upstairs after breakfast and stay in your room"

"Dadima I..."

"Maan I don't want to hear anything" Dadima cut him off narrowing her eyes at him. "Hum garam coffee bej denge aur ek hot water bottle. Aap soyenge aaj" she told him sternly, Maan reluctantly agreed knowing he wouldn't win with her.

"Vikrant sir..."

"Haan Ramesh kaka?" Vikrant looked up.

"Woh envelope.." he pointed. "Aur maine woh frame hall main hang kar liya hai"

"Okay, thank you" Vikrant grinned and gesturing him to leave.

"What frame is he talking about?" Dadima questioned.

"That is for after breakfast" Vikrant replied smiling widely, he looked between both Geet and Maan smiling mischievously to himself. He couldn't wait to see their faces.

Before Maan could excuse himself Vikrant asked him to join them in the hall to see the new frame he'd ordered, reluctantly Maan followed them into the hall.

His eyes drew to the large golden frame which hung on the wall, it was a picture from last night, when he'd carried Geet. Geet was blushing furiously in her place, she stood still in shock seeing the picture of her in Maan's arms.

"Dadima" Vikrant spoke happily. "You were right in suggesting we get this printed"

Dadima laughed seeing the expressions on both Geet and Maan's faces, she then started to speak. "I only done this because it was something I'd never ever would witness any other day" she explained.

"Dadima, take that down. What sort of joke is this?" Maan responded in irritation.

"Maan bete humne sirf..."

"No Dadima" Maan cut her off. "There's a limit for everything, I don't want stupid jokes like this and Vikrant..." he turned to his brother glaring at him. "Don't you ever play such games with me understood?"

Vikrant only nodded knowing Maan was very much serious, Maan retreated walking away upstairs and Dadima got Ramesh to remove the picture, when asked what to do with it, Geet spoke up before Dadima could respond knowing it'd only go in the store room or be locked away.

"Um mere room mein rakh dijiye" she spoke softly. She noticed how upset Dadima had become and in order to please her she decided to take this to her room.

Dadima smiled patting her cheek and walked away quietly, Vikrant had also retreated leaving Geet and her mother in the hall.

"Maan bete toh bohut gusse mein lagte hai" her mother commented.

"Woh... um..." Geet didn't know what to say so she excused herself on the pretence of checking on where the picture is being kept.

"Kaun hai?" Maan questioned angrily when he heard his room door being opened, he turned around throwing his file back on the desk. "Aap..." he muttered seeing Rano stood there. She smiled at him warmly walking inside.

"Aapke liye" she held out a small pot. "Yahan aiyye" she held his wrist pulling him to sit on the bed.

"Aunty aap.." Maan muttered seeing her acting so warmly towards him. He was beginning to get restless, his eyes drew to her hands when she opened twisted the lid and opened the pot. "Aunty rehne dijiye" he tried to move away when she held onto his shoulders.

"Kuch nahi karungi bas balm laga rahi hoon" she responded and massaged some onto his forehead. "Geet jab bemaar padhti ti toh main yeh sab karti ti raat bhar, subah hote hi woh teek ho jati ti" she started to speak.

Maan felt his throat tightening, he fisted his hands on his lap not wanting to be rude to her especially after what he'd learned what they'd gone through in Hoshiarpur but this was testing his patience. His own mother hadn't once shown him this kind of affection and here... Maan closed his eyes shoving down the memories, he looked up and found Rano smiling down.

"Hogaya" she pulled away once she'd massaged in the balm she'd walked up. "aur haan itna gussa accha nahi hai" she patted his cheek and left him alone not wanting to intervene or say something that'd irritate him in any way.

For a moment Maan felt torn, he wasn't feeling so good and was feeling guilty of hurting Dadima but they knew how he'd felt about exposing himself like this in the open. He didn't want to be out on display, he liked his privacy but that seemed to be always compromised, the moments he'd seemed to share with Geet always somehow known to someone or the other. He was going to have to be careful especially when it comes to spending time with his wife, there were always prying eyes and ears that too his own family who used these opportunities to blackmail him, tease him and now even exposing him and Geet like that in the open in front of everyone including the servants.

Maan stood up deciding to ask for forgiveness from the woman he loved, he knew she was going to be tough as a nut so he'd have to use the only thing he knew she melt instantly. Ice cream and wavers!

Geet gaped at the picture, she hadn't even asked for Ramesh to hang the picture on the wall, she'd hoped to store it away but he'd hung it and left without even waiting for her to say anything. She turned around hearing footsteps, and saw her mother enter whose eyes drew to the picture. Rano smiled gently and walked towards.

"Tasveer toh bohot accha hai" she commented.

"Maa aap bhi..." Geet frowned sitting down on her bed.

Rano sighed and sat down beside Geet. "Dono ke shaadi ke nau mahine hogaya hai aur dono alag kamre mein..." she questioned gently.

"Aap jante hai ke humare shadi kaise hua ta" Geet stood to her feet nervously twining her fingers together. "Maan shadi nahi karna chahte te aur na main..." she mumbled.

Rano hummed understanding where Geet was getting to.

"Par..." she paused for a moment recalling the day when Maan had informed her he'd like to take a chance with their marriage, it was 3 months back and from that day they had come quite a long way away. "Hum iss shaadi ko mauka de rahe hai" she turned around facing her mother with a small smile, Rano nodded smiling back.

"Dadima" Maan called entering her room, he found her sitting on the bed with her legs stretched and a book in her hand. She didn't respond to his call instead continued reading her book.

"Dadima" he walked over sitting by her legs. "I'm sorry"

Dadima flicked to the next page of her book ignoring Maan completely.

"You know I hate all this displaying crap Dadima and you very well know I don't like... all this, the pictures, videos and whatever else you guys do" he muttered.

"So you had to shout at everyone? Actually not everyone, just me and Vikrant" she scowled putting her book down on her lap.

"Dadima I was angry and I didn't shout and you know it" he replied. "Dadima I'm going to be straight here, me and Geet spending time together means we want to know each other properly Dadima, we don't need onlookers and I like my life to be private and I want to keep it that way" he responded. "I don't need it flaunted in front of all the servants"

"I wanted to just cherish that moment, and plus you'd be able to tell your children the first time you carried your wife" she countered.

"You're so funny Dadima" he rolled his eyes inwardly. "I'm sorry for getting angry but I don't all this. Please stop pushing me and Geet"

"You aren't even making the effort Maan so I have to do something" she retorted.

"Dadima if you get off my back then maybe I'd try" he responded ever so sweetly.

"Mazak kar rahe hai?" she questioned pinning him with a glare.

"Please Dadima" Maan took her hand into his squeezing it gently. "We both need time, I'm still trying to figure out some things and I need space, I don't know what Geet must be needing, but I'm sure she doesn't need any pushes as well"

"Aap dono ka kuch nahi ho sakta" she pulled her hand back shaking her head. "You're both going to be 50yrs old and still wouldn't have kids with the way you're going"

"Well then let's just clear this up, don't expect any kids from us"

"Toh iska matlab aap apne room mein wapas chale jayenge?" she asked hopefully.

"Where does this come from?" he frowned. "From kids to room?"

"Don't you think you should be in the same room as your wife?" she responded back. "You've married for 9 months now Maan, you've just started to give a chance to your marriage but that doesn't mean wait around, make efforts. You and Geet both need to work together if you want to make this work" she explained.

"I'm trying Dadima" He intervened. "But I can't just wipe away everything and accept Geet. Yes, I know Geet isn't like... I need time"

Dadima sighed and nodded with reluctance.

Maan then called Nakul inside who entered with a bowl of Dadima's favourite ice cream and wavers, he'd passed it to Maan then walked out.

"I'm sorry" he offered the bowl.

"Only if you feed me" she smiled, Maan spooned up the ice cream and gladly fed her.

Geet was lying on her stomach as she worked on an assignment of hers; she was chewing on the end of the pen, her long wavy hair cascading down to her lower back, her attention completely on her assignment and that was how Maan found her.

He stood by the door and watched as she twisted the pen, chewing on the lid for a moment then she'd grab the pen scribbling down in a notebook, he straightened remembering what he'd come for, he lightly knocked on the door gaining her attention. Geet quickly sat up tucking her wayward hair from her face offering a small smile as she climbed off the bed.

"Aap..." she trailed off not finding anything else to say.

"I was... just coming to ask if you'd like to go out for lunch. Dadima and your mom have decided to go out together, Vikrant isn't home as well"

"Where will we be going?" she asked. She couldn't go somewhere too far, she didn't have time to waste as she had a couple of assignments to finish off and send them off to her professor.

"How about you choose this time? I chose the last time" he replied.

"Uh... I've got a few assignments to finish and need to hand them in tomorrow to my professor, how about I make something at home?" she responded.

"I'll get Nakul to make it instead, when it's done you can come join me for lunch" he suggested.

"Okay" she agreed, Maan then excused himself leaving her to do her work.

"Stupid assignment" she cursed her professor for having missed the opportunity of going out with Maan, she stopped in her thoughts midway wondering why had she even looked forward to spending time with him? Pagal ho gayi hai Geet.

Lunch had gone by with the both of them eating, the both of them had barely talked. Maan knew why Dadima insisted on pushing them, they weren't so comfortable with each other yet but how was he supposed to work on making them comfortable with one another.

He thought back to their first night out together, the bowling alley they'd both gone to. They'd eased in one another's presence after they'd spent some time together.

He was pulled away from his thoughts when he saw Geet stand up once she'd finished, she'd headed into the kitchen with her plate unaware that Maan had followed with his eyes.

"Geet..." Maan called as she walked out and moved for the stairs.

"Ji?" she stopped then turned around to face him. "Are you free tomorrow?"

"Um after I finish work" she replied.

"What time do you finish?"

"The usual time I should finish is 5, but Karan lefts me off by half 4"

"Alright, would you like to go out tomorrow evening?" he asked, a part of him was reluctant and expecting rejection.

"um sure" she shrugged.

"Any preference?" Maan asked wanting to go somewhere where she'd be comfortable.

"I don't mind... just no fancy restaurants" she responded.

"Noted down" he smiled, Geet returned his smile then headed upstairs.

Maan smiled inwardly as he watched her leave, he straightened in his seat as he had a task right now and that was to find a place where both he and Geet would be comfortable together.

It's not a date he told himself as he had imagined Vikrant teasing him, he shook his thoughts away cursing Vikrant inwardly, it'd become a habit for Vikrant to be there and teasing him and Geet.

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

Chapter 32

Geet looked at the row of dresses, she'd returned from work and leafed through her cupboard as she tried to figure out what would suit her for their outing. She didn't know where Maan was taking her and wasn't able to ask him as she hadn't seen him all day.

Soch budhu... kya pehnegi? She muttered to herself pleading for some sort of clue from someone, anyone.

Dr Nikita se puch sakti hoon, date pe kya pehente hai she thought then suddenly shaking her head vehemently. It's not a date! Unless... Nahi, it... can't be.

"Dr Nikita" Geet breathed heavily when she answered.

"Geet are you okay?" She sounded concerned.

"Actually... He kind of asked... if I would like to go out and I said yes but now I don't know what to wear and you know... I think... it's a date" her voice lowered afraid as if someone would hear her.

"Geet" Nikita laughed on the other end, "I thought you were in trouble for a moment hearing the panic in your voice"

"It isn't funny, I'm scared" she mumbled.

"It's nothing to be scared of" Nikita replied gently. "Has your husband done anything wrong till date?"

"No, he's... he's been nice" she muttered.

"And last time he took you bowling when you asked right?"

"Hmm.." she hummed wondering where Nikita might be going with this.

"So I'm sure you can trust him enough to take you some place safe and somewhere you both can enjoy and spend time together"
"Do you know what I read?" Geet trailed off to a whole different topic. "First dates sometimes lead to something else" she croaked out in a tiny voice.

"Geet nothing will lead to anything" Nikita coaxed her gently. "You shouldn't believe what you read, it's all fictitious and the books hold things so it captures the reader's attention. Not everything happens in real life how books are"

"What if..."

"Geet" Nikita cut her off knowing if Geet delved deeper she would cancel on their evening out. "Do you trust your husband? Not fully but even an ounce?"

"Kind of" she shrugged.

"Then trust him another ounce and take this chance. If he hasn't done anything till date, I doubt he'd do anything today. He probably wants to know you, especially since you're giving a chance to each other..."

"So... does that mean its not a date?"

"Geet date is for those couples who are attracted to each other and want to delve deeper into a relationship. You and your husband want to know each other, which is good. You could call it a date but you know what I'd call it?"

"What?" she questioned seriously.

"Social dinner"

"Huh?"

"You're going out with your husband to socialize and learn about him. Plus you might be having dinner so.. social dinner"

"Interesting name" Geet chuckled feeling a little light now.

"Enjoy the evening"

"Oh wait, I don't know what to wear"

"Wear what you're comfortable in" she responded.

Geet nodded and bid bye to her quickly then slipped into the shower...

Maan paced the hall dreading the evening, despite planning it properly making sure they'd be at ease, he'd recalled their night together at the bowling alley and he wanted the same for the both of them. Comfortable and at ease with each other. Things have changed a lot of the past few months between the both of them and it was safe to say they're comfortable with each other and he wasn't going to admit to anyone else but he did enjoy being in the company of his wife.

He was drawn away from his thoughts when he heard the soft patting of feet and looked up, Geet was climbing down the stairs, his eyes drew down to attire and he smiled faintly, she'd donned on a pair of black high waisted jeans with a t-shirt hugging her figure. A long necklace dangling around her slender neck and her hair pulled up into a ponytail. She'd kept it simple with only wearing a pair of earrings and her wedding ring plus a pair of dolly shoes looking completely innocent and in a way adorable.

Had it been anyone other woman they'd have probably worn some skimpy dress with the highest possible heels which could dig out someone's eyes, he shook his head at the thought and appreciated the way his wife looked. She seemed comfortable in her attire and that was all he needed.

"Ready?" he asked when she joined him at the bottom of the stairs, she nodded in response and followed him out to the car. Maan took the keys from the driver excusing him then held the door open for Geet to get in. Once she settled he walked around and climbed into his seat starting the car and drew away. His fingers clenched around the steering wheel while he thought over his plans for tonight, he only hoped Geet would be okay with his arrangements. It wasn't something extravagant but then his wife wouldn't probably be comfortable with something which gained attention of others and he most certainly wouldn't be comfortable.

Geet watched quietly as he continued to drive, she'd tried to rack her brains trying to guess where he was taking her, he'd changed the lanes so many times and turned that she'd lost count and was sure she'd never be able to remember how to get back home had she been alone. Confusion struck her when he took a final turn and drew in, she gaped in surprise as he drove through and then parked up.

"Why are we here?" she questioned just as he turned off the engine.

"I... I thought you'll like it. I heard Vikrant saying you're all going soon and Dadima mentioned that you've never been... so..." he shrugged uncomfortably. "We can go somewhere else if you'd like" he suggested.

Geet shook her head smiling at him. "Here's fine" she sighed. "Actually I was... looking forward to going and... um Thank you" she responded not knowing what else to say.

She'd been looking forward to the weekend trip they'd planned soon with her friends along with Vikrant, she looked back to the ice skating gala and was pleased and even excited.

"I've not go a coat or anything" She frowned as they stepped out the car.

"I had Nakul pack them" he replied walking to the back and opening the trunk, he pulled out coats, scarves and gloves being well prepared. "Also these" he grabbed the large bag which held their skates in, he didn't want to be borrowing used skates from the rink, God knows who wore them. "Let's go" he lead her inside once they slipped on the coat, scarves and gloves.

Geet was in awe when she looked at the large round skating rink, the ice looked so shiny and beautiful. She was looking forward to getting in there and skating, she was escorted towards the door, Maan suggested they put their skates on before stepping on to the rink and they did so. He offered his hand to her and slowly helped her knowing she hadn't ever been, he'd been here on many times when he was young, his father had brought him and Vikrant here when he wanted to escape his own pathetic wife who looked for chances to fight. He'd stopped coming when he lost his father but coming here tonight freshened those memories which he'd pushed down and closed away from his life.

Despite the aching longing he felt, he was pleased to share the few places which held blessed memories of his past, the places which held a place in his heart and was special to him. Just as soon as Geet stepped onto the ice, her legs slipped, Maan hauled her to him keeping her straight whilst they both laughed.

"I'm going to fall" she pouted when she tried again to move.

"Just think of sliding your feet, spread and slide" he told her keeping a hold of her hands and skated backwards making her move forward.

Once again she slipped and he supported her chuckling.

"I can't do this" she laughed gripping onto him tightly.

"Yes you can, it takes some time" he replied. "Just follow my lead, it'd be easier. Slide one foot forward, don't lift but slide then do the other" he pointed. "Oh another tip, don't look down. You're most likely to fall then" he informed.

Geet nodded and followed his instructions, gripping onto him ever so tightly fearing she'd land on her back or worse on her face. She smiled widely when she started skating across holding his hand but it didn't last long, as they both ended up toppling and onto their backs laughing together.

"Everyone falls at some point" Maan laughed as he straightened and took her hand.

"Ouch, I think I broke my back" she touched the small of her back. She was sure a bruise was probably forming.

"One of the bad things of ice skating" he smiled at her faintly. "Ready to go again?"

She nodded and together they spent the next hour, tripping onto their backs, laughing, skating a little and enjoying the evening together.

They slipped back into their shoes and walked out, Maan suggested to visit the ice bar and caf to which she agreed to. He lead her inside, the bar was pounding with heavy music and crowds of people which made them both uncomfortable as they hadn't expected such a big crowd here after the near empty ice rink. He ordered cold drinks and lead them to booth, the bar was awfully cold which had Geet shaking slightly.

"Do you want to head to the caf?" Maan asked noticing her shivering. "We can always come back here another time?"

"Please" she nodded and he escorted her through the crowd, she sighed in relief when they walked out and into the warm hallway. Opposite there was the caf and together they walked.

Geet opted for a chicken panini and a chicken wild rice soup and Maan opted for a jacket potato with chicken curry. Geet rubbed her hands together blowing in them, despite it being warm she was feeling slightly cold.

"Still cold?" Maan questioned noticing her movements.

"Hmm... it's still feels cold" she smiled. "Thank you for today. I really enjoyed it despite being bruised" she chuckled.

"Glad you liked it" he replied gently. "Dad used to bring me here to skate with Vikrant" he shared with her after a moment. "It was like a special place for all of us to come to, our own boys nights out"

"So that's how you learned. I was wondering when you learned" she revealed.

"Yeah, Vikrant ended up falling flat on his face once breaking his nose in the process" he chuckled at the memory. "Dad was holding him in his lap the entire time while we drove to the hospital"

"I can't imagine him crying" she laughed.

"He was the biggest cry baby when he was small" Maan informed. "He cried when once Dadima refused to take him out with her, Dad had to beg him to stop crying promising lots of ice cream didn't help as well"

They were interrupted when the waitress brought their food to the table, once she was gone they started on their meal making small talk regarding their day.

"So the internship is going pretty well?" Maan questioned after she relayed information of her day activities.

"Yeah, professor martin said the assignment I had on marketing was quite good. I know I can improve it so I'll just have to broaden my sources..."

"There's a few books written by great professors in the library, I'll lend them to you when we get home" he responded.

Geet thanked him then asked about his work which he responded to letting her know of his upcoming schedule unknowingly.

Geet shifted in her bed slowly opening her eyes in the middle of the night, the last thing she remembered was they were driving back home. She must've slept... then that means.. She sat up looking around then flopped onto her bed with a sigh, she hugged herself blushing at the thought of him carrying her, her smile faltered when she noted the frame hung above her bed. If he placed her here then he must've seen this... she sat up quickly turning around and crossed her legs as she stared at the framed photo.

She wondered what could he be thinking? What if he didn't ever speak to her again? He didn't like the photo obviously since he'd really slammed Vikrant with it angrily and he'd even hurt Dadima with his harsh words. What if he stopped speaking to me? She wondered sadly. She could explain to him tomorrow why she'd kept it, worried thoughts filled her mind unaware of Maan's reaction when he'd noticed it.

Maan decided to carry Geet inside instead of waking her from her sleep, she was exhausted from their evening out and he didn't want to just shake her awake.

He was relieved when he noted no one was here and guessed everyone had slept, he slowly walked into his old bedroom and halted half way in when his eyes darted to the picture of the wall. What an irony? The picture he'd hated the moment Vikrant had it hung on the wall was eliciting different feelings from him this time around. Even more so with Geet keeping in her room, he looked down at her sleeping face as she snuggled into the warmth of his chest and a smile crept on his lips. He walked towards the bed and slowly settled her taking her shoes off and covered her with the blanket.

He stepped back and stared at the picture for one last moment and shook his head, he wondered if his wife liked the picture since she had kept it in her room. Stealing one last glance of Geet he walked out closing the door behind him. Tonight was surely a pleasant evening and had gone better than he'd expected.

"Geet bete what happened?" Dadima shot up out of her chair hurrying towards Geet when she noticed the bruises on her arms.

Geet hadn't taken notice of them and frowned for a moment herself, Maan looked from the corner of his eyes and cursed inwardly for not checking on her.

"Woh... I..."

"Geet kya hua? Kiss ne kiya hai?" Dadima questioned with her voice raised in anger. She wanted to drag the person whoever did through along hot coal scarring the person for life.

"Dadima I went skating last night" she replied. "No one did this"

"Bhabhi how did you go skating? We planned that for the end of the month?" Vikrant questioned in confusion.

"Uh... Woh I... I went skating with Maan" she stammered out feeling conscious, she squirmed in her place biting on her lower lip.

"Oh, like that?" Vikrant laughed, his smile died when he remembered Maan shouting at him so he straightened.

Maan shook his head at his brother knowing well Vikrant wouldn't be able to get rid of his habit so he let it go, he wasn't going to apologize to his brother, never ever in his life. His wife and Dadima were the only women who'd ever gotten an apology out of him and they were only women he'd sincerely apologize to.

Dadima took Geet to the table and served her as if she was a porcelain doll on the verge of breaking, the bruises along her arms had gone from red to purple this morning.

"Dadima I'm fine" Geet tried to reassure her when Dadima insisted on she eat some more despite her being full and feeling bloated now.

"Nahi Geet, if you ate properly you wouldn't be so bruised today" she sighed heavily. "Maan didn't you know how to look after her?" she turned her head to him.

"What?" Maan frowned confused at her now directing some of the blame at him.

"Dadima" Geet chuckled at her concern. "I promise it was just skating, it happens"

"Still, why isn't he bruised for?" she questioned.

"Dadima believe me I am bruised" Maan replied. "I'll take off my shirt right now to show you" he added. Geet immediately dipped her head down blushing furiously, whilst Dadima stared at him unsurely.

"Okay, I wanna see" Dadima responded.

Geet kept her eyes down in shock wondering where things were leading to, she swallowed thickly and it seemed her husband didn't care as he stood up and started unbuttoning his shirt. Geet stood up throwing the chair back and hurried out leaving them all gaping at her retreating figure in shock.

A moment passed before Vikrant broke the silence laughing hard, Dadima couldn't help herself but join. She'd forgotten how shy her daughter in law was for a moment, Maan shook his head at the both of them and looked in the direction of the stairs sighing heavily.

Well done, now she'll never come near me... He thought inwardly. He hadn't really cared because Dadima had seen him numerous times, so has Vikrant so he'd only started unbuttoning in the intent of showing Dadima the bruises and not for scaring the hell out of his wife. He'd have to be careful he added mentally.

Please do spare a moment to this thread...

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/geet-hui-sabse-parayee/4882304/banner-contest

Sighhh such a lovely surprise Thanks for the update, it was a pleasure reading it

Wow. Superb update

Beautiful updates 😊

Nice update darji and brij are in jail maan have a bitter past regarding his mother maan made arrangements for rano and geet meeting geet happy rano sold the haveli and come to stay in Delhi slowly maaneet relationship developed

Suprise updates... welcome back
maaneet trying to get comfortable with eachother, maan getting angry on vicky n daadima but later he cools his dadi
Geets sees hdr motherr afterlong time or say she dint expect to see her mother again ,she thanxs maan for that.
Maan feels they need to try more to know eachother.

Both parts were super awesome...though past of maan still playing villain to take leap of faith ...but situation nd family is paving the path for him to trust Geet...Maan's gesture bringing rano to Delhi is a huge step nd Rano's love will certainly change Maan heart ...
Looking for date oops sorry;-) for some leisure talk hehe

Continue soon

Thanks for you update ...

Welcome back missed ur updates double update dadi literally dragged maaneet to the engagement party both wanted to be away maan was feeling suffocate and was away from crowd when geet held his arms he saw a guy was following her maan took her uphill telling dadi she was with him both talking with each other when maan end up telling Abt his mom which made him fuming both ried to go down when maan without any warning picked geet in his arms shocking geet Karan vikrant enjoying their plight maan could see geet was affecting him whether it was good or bad he didn't know maan dragged the guy and warned him to stay away from geet a surprise was waiting for geet she was surprised to see her mom and even more surprised to know that maan had the rest of the family in jail rano told how maan encourage her to complain Abt her own family so now she was shifted to Delhi permanently geet was overwhelmed and hugged maan for it vikrant is so mischevious he actually got maaneet pics fuming maan but rano made him understand maan how harsh he was on dadi he apologized maaneet trying to spend time with each other to know each other slowly