Part 8
"Maan did you decide on any of the proposals from the folder that I gave you?
Maan was at the door step when his father's voice hit him immediately wiping off the wide smile that he had on his face. He rubbed his temple; he didn't want to spoil his good mood getting into the argument just yet. It was only this morning that the situations seem to take favorable turn for him.
"I am on it.
He replied walking inside, trying to sound as much calm and casual as possible.
"I thought that I will help you. Mr. Khanna has called me so many times regarding his niece Nina. She has completed her MBA last year; she could help you out in business too. She's a good choice for our house.
Maan took a deep breath in before asking the only question that concerned him.
"And when will she give time to antara if she'll be busy helping me out in office?
"What do we have that nanny for?
His dad countered.
"If I wanted a nanny to raise my daughter then what is the need to remarry? Dad I think you forgot that was my foremost requirement.
"So basically you want a girl to waste her talents, her career, her life, sitting at home taking care of a child that's not even hers? Which girl would agree to do that?
"I don't know that. But if a girl can't do that, then she shouldn't dream to become Maan Singh Khurrana's wife. And that's your granddaughter you are talking about dad.
"Maan you should let your wife work, working women handle children equally well.
"They do indeed, but I don't want that for mine.
"Mat bhulo maan, me and your mother also managed two children while we both worked.
"Maybe that's why.
"MAANNN...
"Shouting at me won't change the truth dad. It's the truth of mine and my sister's life that we had a hard and ignorant childhood at the hands of over ambitious parents. At least we had dadi by our side; my child however doesn't even have that...
He stopped himself somehow else he got carried away and said hurting words things. He wanted to make his point clear but without crossing the line of disrespecting his father.
"Do you want my dadi to take care of all the responsibilities at this old age? That's so selfish.
Maan stopped not getting a reaction from his father; he had turned into stone it seemed. Even he didn't want to dig more into the bitter past.
"If you really want to help me then don't try to help me find any alliances. I'll do that for myself.
The silence from the other side told maan that this was the last time his father was meddling in his marriage business. But he can't disrespect his judgment too.
"And about Nina; forward her resume to me I will ask my HR department to check if she fits any of our requirements.
Geet knocked at the door calming her heartbeats which rose due to walking so fast. Along with that she also came back to real world from the euphoria she was in. She suddenly felt like she was travelling in time. When she was with maan, she felt like she was back to that carefree college going girl, whose only aim in life was to complete her education with flying colors. She could easily relate to her old self, now however it seemed like she aged again and reached her original age.
Her smile also faded as the door was opened by maa, who gave her no reaction at all. Geet ran to her room not able to handle all the emotional ups and downs she faced in last few hours. She sat there rest of the night, pretended to sleep when someone, probably Anjali di came to call her for dinner as she spent the night thinking about her life with and without aditya and now with the prospect of maan in it.
Morning was same though she hid her red eyes (due to lack of sleep) from Anjali di as she made breakfast. She suspected that Anjali di would ask her about her meeting with maan, but was relieved when that didn't happen.
Later she received a text from maan.
*Why did you say that I have changed?*
She smiled at his conscious text.
#You became too serious and straight forward. You were quite carefree back then.#
She replied thinking the reason of her comments. Honestly, what was she thinking making such remarks on their first meeting that too about her prospective groom? Maybe it's the comfort you feel with a friend around.
*Are you still looking for a 23 year old maan in me? I've matured over time give me some credits at least.*
#I can't help the impressions I have in my mind of you.#
*Maybe I can offer you some insight if you meet me day after tomorrow.*
Geet stopped before replying. She chewed her lips not knowing an answer to this. First time she met him was on insistence of her father-in-law. But now she wasn't sure what... how will she explain this second meeting? She postponed the reply till evening and was restless the entire day.
Maan was busy in meetings all noon; it was only in the evening that he realized she's yet to reply him about the meeting which in his head was his second date. He thought of calling her but his phone beat him to it.
Why was Raj uncle calling him now? He contemplated for a couple rings before answering.
"Maan.
"Ji uncle. How are you?
Maan asked out of politeness then kicked himself mentally as it sounded awkward in his own head. Let him start the conversation, he chided himself and decided to play defensive.
"I am fine. I just wanted to talk to you about...
He paused and maan wondered why he is hesitating so much to talk.
"... well I thought... I would ask how you about the meeting yesterday?
Maan frowned but then. Oh! Realization struck, he was fishing for information. Definitely it'd be awkward if he asks geet about this, so I am the soft target. But he liked that he was genuinely concerned for geet and frankly if maan had any ally in his pursuit of geet then it was only raj uncle.
"I think geet needs some time to process all these changes, uncle. I don't want her to take this decision in haste as there are going to be expectations from her in this marriage.
"That's true maan. And honestly I can't get luckier to have found you for geet. I am hopeful that it will work out for the best.
"Thank you uncle.
"God bless you.
Maan suddenly had an inspiration and stopped him from disconnecting.
"And uncle... there was a request.
"Yes...
"I was wondering if we could meet again. I mean I was free day after tomorrow and hope you don't mind if meet a couple of times also I could make geet and antara meet and familiarize with each other.
"Honestly maan I don't mind, but you need to ask geet if she's comfortable and I would suggest you to meet in a neutral place.
"Ji, I totally understand your concern. I'll keep that in mind.
As maan lay in his bed for the night after tucking in antara in her blanket beside him he scrolled his phone, still no text from geet. He sighed and decided to send one himself.
*We are meeting for lunch day after tomorrow at 2 p.m. Hotel Majestic. Do you want me to pick you up?*
Geet sat up straight on her bed reading his text. What does he think of himself ordering her around? And didn't he once consider that she is answerable about where she goes and whom she meets? But before she could get her temper up another text flashed in her mobile screen.
*Don't worry I informed Raj uncle about my plans and took his due permission to meet you.*
She smiled at his thoughtfulness. She's really jumping to conclusions where he's concerned maybe it's the impression she has of younger, more impulsive maan than this mature and understanding person that is clouding her judgment. Perhaps this meeting will give her more insight into him, just like he said. But before she could reply another text came.
*We don't have to if you are not comfortable. Please reply atleast.*
She could almost sense the urgency in this last text and replied immediately.
#I am fine with the meeting#
Her first instinct was to call him, but she felt shy at the last moment and stuck to texting.
#And thanks for talking to papa.#
*So shall I pick you from your house.*
#I would like to join you there directly if you don't mind.#
*It's alright. I'll wait for you.*
#Bye.#
Maan didn't have it in him to reply to her bye, he kept reading the whole conversation for a couple of times before sleep finally took over him.
"Maan are you going for another of your special deal today?
Dadi asked him as he was in an uncharacteristically good mood today, off course because of his lunch date later today but also because of geet's recent texts. Though it was just casual talks more like old friends catching up on all the years in between and she still seemed hesitant and conscious with her words but that's fine by him as long as they are on a path of progress.
"Dadi come on.
"What tell your dadi now...
"Not now dadi.
"I didn't pester you that day, but I am not going to let you get away today.
"Fine.
He knew there was no escape now, but also he wanted to share this with someone and who better than dadi. She's always been his side only hoping, wishing and doing her best to him happy.
"I am meeting geet today for lunch...
Dadi was shocked by the revelation and maan chuckled seeing her reaction.
"Close your mouth dadi.
"But...
"Yes that day also I met her but we couldn't talk for long so I am meeting her again.
"But Raj beta told me that they are not interested in alliance.
"I talked to uncle first, I am not sure what exactly the problem was at their end, but he later called and told me that I can meet geet and we can get to know each other better before they decide to move ahead with this.
Dadi nodded in understanding.
"And does geet know about antara...?
"Yes. She has no problem.
"That's not what I am asking.
Dadi said pointedly and maan shrugged.
"I don't think that really matters.
"Maaan.
Dadi reprimanded his casual attitude but sighed seeing him stubborn.
"Honesty is foundation of every relationship maan, you have to come clean with her if you want her to accept this relation with open heart and mind.
"But dadi...
"I don't want to hear any excuse or explanation. She's going to be your wife and she needs to know. Just think of yourself in her place.
"Alright, I'll keep in mind.
"Are you going to make them meet before marriage?
"Sure, if geet wants.
"I want you tell her before making them meet.
Maan looked at her questioningly.
"I have my reasons. Now go, or you will be late for your date.
"Dadi!
He shook his head as she laughed making him chuckle a bit too as he left for office.
Edited by Sundari. - 7 years ago
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