Beauty & the Beast||Thread 2||Final note page 97||Chapt 59 page 92|| - Page 47

Chapter 47

Geet aged 23, Adrian aged 26

Geet smiled inwardly as the manager informed her of his decision, she stood shaking his hand and thanking him then turned walking out of the room.

Her eyes drew to Helen who was leaning casually against the counter chattering away with Kanchan. She walked over masking her expression.

“Helen, they’re calling you in” she informed.

Once Helen had gone, Kanchan arched her brows.

“You’ve got the job, haven’t you?” she inquired.

“Sorry, I can’t discuss anything” Geet responded smiling.

“Congratulations, Ms Senior Stewardess” Kanchan whispered. “She’s going to hate you”.

“She shouldn’t have treated me like a bitch then” Geet shrugged, “I was happy where I was, we’ll see how she feels when she can’t boss me around anymore”

Geet glanced over her shoulder hearing the door swing open, she smirked seeing Helen walk out of the room crying, she tried to be discrete, but her makeup stained face was enough.

“Shit, she’s crying” Kanchan murmured.

“Yep, I noticed” Geet nodded and turned around grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl. “I’ll see you later” she waved and walked out.

“Did going to the session help?” Shirley asked staring at Maan curiously.

“A little” he nodded.

“Would you like to talk about it?” she inquired.

“Not yet” he shook his head.

“How about you tell me about your captaincy?” she approached gently.

He considered it silently then nodded his agreement.

“You mentioned you lost a friend for the first time…” Shirley started off.

He nodded, “I did, I was injured much more that time. It wasn’t just cut and bruises, I’d been shot and I had suffered from a couple of broken bones. That was my first serious incident”

“How did you feel?” she quizzed.

“I blacked out after I returned to the base with Yash’s body. The adrenaline had kicked in so I barely remembered any pain” he answered, “A month after recovering at home, I returned to the base”.

“How did your family take it?”

“My mother and grandmother were not pleased” Maan smiled at the faint reminder of his grandmother cursing everyone in the house, “they begged dadaji to stop me. Dadaji attempted to speak to me, but I wasn’t listening to any of them. Being in the army, fighting for my country was in my blood. I wasn’t just going to let go of it because of a set back and a couple of broken bones. I was recovering quickly anyway”.

“Did you not consider the risks?”

“I knew the risks when I signed up for it” he reminded. “I… I just didn’t think… I didn’t think I’d have been injured so much that I’m unable to return to the army”.

“One day, maybe” Shirley looked at him hopefully, “What you’ve suffered isn’t something small. I’ve treated patients that were recovering over the course of a decade, once I have given them the all clear they were able to return” she replied.

Maan nodded in acknowledgement and understanding.

“You’re not serious, are you?” Geet looked at Diane.

“Deadly, you’re not getting a raise” she stated, “You’ve only been here two years”.

“Exactly two years” Geet reminded sharply, “Diane, I’m working my ass off here despite having another job”.

“You’ve got two jobs, why do you want a raise?” Diane crossed her arms in front of her.

“It’s not about me wanting it, I deserve a raise” Geet replied.

“Well then, you’ve heard my decision” Diane waved her off nonchalantly.

Geet clenched her jaw and turned walking out of the room, she kept a straight face all the way to the washrooms. Once the doors closed she expressed herself.

She swore all the names under the sun as she paced the washroom, frustrated she pulled her hair out of the ponytail and brushed her fingers through her wavy locks.

“Someone sounds angry” Adhira stepped out of cubicle moving towards the sink and washed her hands.

“I f*cking am” Geet grated, “She’s refusing to give me a raise, last month she refused to acknowledge my designs. I’m never going to get my own project if I go on like this”.

Adhira wiped her hand then turned to Geet, “What are you waiting for?”

“What do you mean?” Geet frowned.

“You’ve worked here on your free days getting experience, you studied for design degree and aced the exams right?”

Geet nodded.

“You’ve for the experience, knowledge, why are you hanging around here? You want your project – start from now” Adhira responded.

“For that I need a team, I need clients” Geet reminded rolling her eyes.

Adhira smiled softly, “I’ll get you for team, you however I’m sure can yourself some clients. Don’t you have an appointment with the Desai’s?”

Geet realised what Adhira was hinting at, “I steal the clients?”

“You’re clever, Geet. I’m sure you’d figure it out plus I wouldn’t call it stealing, the client hasn’t signed on with Diane yet” Adhira smiled and walked out leaving her to ponder in the washroom.

“You’re the newbie?” Geet looked up from the file arching her brows.

“Yes, Grace Jenkins” the young woman responded.

“Alright, Christina has spoken highly of you” Geet read through the references as she stood up from her desk.

“She was a great manager” Grace replied smiling gently.

“Okay, as you’ve only arrived I assume you’ve not yet seen your apartment?”

“Not yet” Grace shook her head.

“It’s shared accommodation until your trial period is over” Geet explained grabbing her car keys and walked out of the office with Grace following behind almost jogging to keep up with her new line manager’s long strides.

“After that, you find something yourself” Geet continued, “You can continue to stay in the shared accommodation however you’ll have to pay discounted rent” she informed. “After the trial period, you’ll probably want to move out anyway and get your own place. There’s only so long you want to share” Geet added unlocking her car door, “Climb in, I’ll drive you to the shared accommodation”.

“Your first time at the India base?” Geet asked.

“Yeah, I’m kinda nervous. They speak English right?” she asked unsurely, “Sorry if I sound ignorant, between my flying hours I couldn’t find time to research much”.

“It’s okay, I’m not offended” Geet responded shrugging, “it’s a multicultural country, vast majority around here speak English”.

“Is the city great to live in?” Grace questioned, “what’s going to be the best place to go sightseeing?”

“I don’t know; I’ve never gone sightseeing here. Between my flying and running my own business, I don’t have time” she replied driving into the parking area. “Your new home for a while” she climbed out. Grace followed as Geet climbed the steps entering the building.

Once Geet showed Grace around the building, she walked out leaving Grace to unpack the luggage which was already brought down by a member of staff. She was just about to start her car, when her phone rang.

“Hey Adhira” Geet answered.

“Hi Geet”

Geet tensed noting the tone of her voice, “what’s wrong?”

“We’ve got a problem at the Khurana outhouse” Adhira murmured slowly.

“Aren’t you taking a risk?” Adrian asked Geet as she explained what her plan was.

“Every job comes with risk, you know that very well” Geet answered.

“You’re about to take two of Diane’s top clients, that’s bigger than a risk. What if it comes to bite you in the ass?”

“I’m not dumb witted to take this step without assessing the risks” Geet smiled. “Before I seal the clients, I need an office to work out of. Want to join me tomorrow?”

“Speaking of looking around for an office…” Adrian started as he walked out of the kitchen handing her protein shake and settled on the sofa besides her stretching out his legs, “You know maybe we should go looking for our place as well…”

Geet stopped mid sip and looked surprised, “Where did this suddenly come from?” she arched her brows.

“I’ve been thinking about it, we’ve barely had much time over the last couple of months. With me now working as the face of… and your job now as line manager” he responded.

“Wow…I… I don’t know what to say” she chuckled, her cheeks reddened and warmed.

“What do you think Pearson? You more than like me enough to move in?” he teased.

“Maybe” she grinned widely.

“So, we can start looking tomorrow?” he lifted his brows.

“Yes!” She squealed placing her glass down and wrapped both arms around him tightly.

“Hey Pearson” Adrian whispered enveloping his arms around his girlfriend.

“Yeah?”

“I think I’m falling in love” he murmured softly.

Geet burrowed her face into the hollow of his neck, a wide smile adorning her lips and her eyes squeezed closed.

“Have you decided whether you’re going to join?” Kartik walked into Maan’s bedroom looking at his brother curiously.

Maan looked up at his brother, his request had been playing on his mind a lot. This was Kartik’s first trip abroad, that too for something so big that would motivate him further.

“I understand if you don’t want to” Kartik mumbled seeing his brother unresponsive. “I get it, you know bhai you can just tell me” he smiled trying to seem as if it wasn’t hurting him a little that his brother wouldn’t be there. He couldn’t recall the last time, Maan had joined them for a family outing. Since the incident, there had been family dinners outside or certain parties they’ve had to attend – Maan had missed all of them.

“I’ll come” Maan surprised Kartik when he answered.

“What?” Kartik questioned blinking rapidly, he walked over nearing Maan thinking he had misheard.

“I said, I’ll come. I… I wouldn’t be coming to the show but I’ll… I’ll join you in LA” he responded slowly, he recalled Ishita’s words from the session. Don’t push away those who want to be with you, they’re your biggest support.

She was right, his family stood by him, loved him without condition, it was only fair that he reciprocated it by supporting his brother.

“I’m so happy, thanks bhai” Kartik bent down hugging Maan taking him by surprise. Maan smiled softly placing his hand over Kartik’s back and patted gently.

They pulled apart hearing Maan’s phone ringing, he was surprised to see Geet’s name popping up on his screen.

“Hello” he answered softly.

“Hi, uh… Maan, would you be able to come into the outhouse please, there’s a bit of a situation” Geet requested.

“Yes, sure okay” he cut the call.

“What’s wrong?” Kartik asked.

“I don’t know, come with me to the outhouse” Maan told him grabbing his cane and stood to head out towards the outhouse, all the while wondering what had happened.

Chapter 49

“Remember your passports” Geet told her mother as she drove towards the airport. “Last time you forgot them, then had to go back for it” she reminded.

“Yes, I’ve got it in my hands” Marissa answered. “Sean called to tell us that he and Tara are already there with Nick and Theresa”.

“Alright, how far away are you and dad?” Geet asked.

“We’re setting off now”

“Okay, tell dad to drive quick” she responded. “I’m cutting off now, I’ve reached the airport” she told her mother then cut the call bidding bye. She parked her car up at the long stay bay parking area then headed inside with her suitcase.

She smiled noticing Nick stood on a chair clapping excitedly to something Sean said, as she approached them she noticed her work colleagues with their respective family members.

Maan had sat on a chair alone at the side, having seen the party of people who were going to be on the flight especially with most of them working with his brother, he preferred to be away especially seeing everyone starting to mingle and getting to know one another. Gaurav had settled on a chair besides him unable to stand up as long as he’d like to, he made small conversation with his grandson keeping him company. Their attention drew to Geet Pearson as she strode over confidently, she offered a casual smile to the people around her then instantly walked towards her nephew.

“Gigi” Nick squealed excitedly, “we’re going on a trip” he rushed over holding his hands out. Geet releases her suitcase handle crouching down and hugging her little boo boo answering excitedly. “Yep” she nodded, “You want to know where else you’re going?” she asked.

“Where?”

“Mickey…” she started.

“Disneyland” Nick yelled, “Mommy, Gigi is going to take me Disneyland” he jumped excitedly. “Papa Neel, Gigi is taking me to Disneyland” he called noting his grandparents approaching them.

“Wow, that’s so exciting” Suneel lifted his grandson into his arms. “Is it only you, she’s taking or does she plan to take the rest of her family as well?” he arched his brow.

“Are you broke?” Geet questioned.

“No”

“Well then you can pay for yourself and join us” she responded.

“See, how selfish your daughter is?” he taunted his wife teasingly.

“She’s my daughter when she’s selfish, but your angel when she’s done some good thing” Marissa rolled her eyes, “Well I’m glad she’s my daughter” she put her arm around Geet smiling at her husband.

“We’re with mom on that” Tara informed from her place, “Theresa is with me” she held her daughter’s tiny hand up.

“As always, the ladies ganging up on us, men” Suneel sighed.

“Hey papa neel, I wanna be in Gigi’s team” he wiggled to set himself free.

“Dad, you should know by now you shouldn’t go against these Pearson ladies” Sean laughed. Geet smirked lifting her nephew into her arms.

From where they’d sat they couldn’t hear what the Pearson family talked about, Maan didn’t pay much attention either as he was once again unable to hold back from noticing Geet Pearson. Today she had dressed down from her corporate clothes, she’d donned a v neck blouse, black shorts and slipped into black sandals. Her face free of any makeup and just a shade of lipgloss adoring her soft lips.

He clenched his jaw realising that he was staring again, he dipped his eyes looking away hoping no one had caught him. Unaware, that Suneel Shergill had been watching from a distant. Suneel glanced over at his daughter curiously, she turned her head at the time staring right ahead in the direction of Maan Khurana. His daughter looked away after a brief moment and focused on Nick then went on to greet a couple of her colleagues families.

Suneel excused himself telling his wife he’d be back in a bit and walked over approaching Gaurav and Maan.

“Suneel” Gaurav smiled standing to his feet and they both shook hands as they exchanged pleasantries.

“Hi Maan” Suneel turned to Maan.

“Namaste uncle” he greeted standing up, he’d always been taught to greet fellow Indian brothers and sisters using their national greeting. They exchanged pleasantries then Suneel asked.

“I hear Geet is working on your outhouse” Suneel said, Geet paused her conversation with Zarina and glanced over to where her father stood. She was now closer to the Khurana family however her back was towards them as she spoke to Zarina and her husband.

Geet smiled as Zarina said something as she curiously wondered whether Maan would share about the disaster that happened.

“She’s doing a great job” Maan answered softly, he smiled gently. “The 3D designs gives me something to look forward to” he added.

“It’s true, I think we’re more excited to see it” Gaurav agreed unaware that the outhouse flooring was a little ruined.

Maan has asked them to stay away as the work is going to be dangerous for the next couple of weeks and he didn’t want his grandparents hurting themselves or becoming an obstacle. He also knew that once his grandparents found out, they’d instantly offer to pay which he didn’t want. He’ll use his own savings but he wasn’t going to allow his grandparents spend their hard earned pension on him or the outhouse. Geet wondered as to why Maan nor his grandfather had revealed to her Dad that the floor was ruined due to a burst pipe, even if they had told her father anything – it wasn’t her fault. The hole where the crack appeared was rusty.

A little away from her, Dadima was sharing a couple of her views with her daughter in law.

“Yeh kaise kapre hai, Rhea?” Dadima murmured disapprovingly.

“Maa, sab trip pe jaa rahe hai” Rhea replied.

“Phir bhi…sharam bhi koi cheez hoti haina”

Rhea decided it was better to leave it as she knew she wasn’t just going to win her mother in law’s views right now, she looked over at Geet who was now checking something on her phone. Whilst Geet was occupied, she briefly perused the woman, other than wearing clothes that her mother in law disapproved with she couldn’t see anything else really wrong with her.

The woman owned a business which was famous and renowned internationally as her hobby, her main job was air stewardess. Other than the age difference which she herself was a little wary of, she didn’t see anything else wrong. Their city was changing every day, views changed, minds broadened. The Bollywood industry played a part in changing a couple hundred point of views considering that the audience saw them as role models, which enabled many women grasp and accept the changes to society and it had now become the norm. However, it also strengthened some point of views as some felt their city was being radicalised, taking a turn for the worst. Her mother in law belonged to the latter, though they weren’t as strong as some.

Savitri had grown up believing the woman’s first job is to make her home, and look after the family, after that comes job and whatever else. Had she had a daughter, she would’ve brought her daughter up like that however she didn’t. She only had one son – Maan’s father Rajeev.

“Right, has everyone got their passports?” Geet pocketed her phone moving towards the front asking everyone.

Most of them nodded and some answered.

“Okay, I’ve got the tickets on me. We’re going to be boarding soon, so can you all move to gate 16 and check in” she called out so everyone heard. “Gate 16 is that way” she pointed, everyone gathered their suitcases and followed one another. After they checked in, they waited in the waiting room for a while before being lead towards the airplane.

“Geet” Ashley smiled seeing her, “Holiday?”

“Something like that” Geet nodded, “That’s all my party” Geet pointed handing her the tickets. Ashley nodded and counting each ticket whilst checking the passport as they walked through.

“I wanna sit with you, Gigi” Nick held out his arms.

“I’m coming boo boo, you go in with daddy” Geet answered standing besides Ashley as she ensured everyone that belonged to her group entered. Geet entered noting Sophia working, for all she remembered from the emergency landing incident was Sophia was pregnant.

“Geet” Sophia looked at her surprised.

“Come with me” Geet gestured stepping away and closing the curtains. “What are you doing here?” she questioned.

“I’m working” Sophia answered.

“Sophia, nearly a year ago you were pregnant and due to be on maternity leave. You’re supposed to be on maternity leave for minimum 3 months, so what are you doing here?” Geet asked. “No one informed me of your return”.

“I’ve been transferred over to Michael’s team” Sophia responded, “Jacob left me, maternity wasn’t paying me enough to keep me going. I live in Dubai” she murmured.

“Why would you not have told me before transferring?”

“I’m living in Dubai now, I moved to be close to.. and he just said he couldn’t do it”

“Oh Soph” Geet looked at her apologetically, “I’ll speak to Michael and see if I can get you transferred, looking after your little one alone in Dubai is going to cost you an arm and leg with the contract you’re on”.

“Thanks Geet” Sophia looked at her gratefully.

“Its okay, girl or boy?”

“I’ve got a daughter, I kept her name Jasmine” Sophia pulled out her phone showing a couple of pictures of Jasmine.

“She’s adorable” Geet smiled, “she’s got chubby pink cheeks, I want to pinch them already” she chuckled.

“We should meet up, We’ve not met in a while” Sophia suggested.

“I’ll let you know the dates” Geet replied turning to see Ashley walking over.

“C’mon Miss, to your seat” Ashley pointed.

“I know the procedure, thank you” Geet rolled her eyes laughing and walked away, she stopped glancing over her shoulder “you get a free pass coz of Jasmine” she told Ashley.

“I’m going to boss you around as the head stewardess, I won’t get this opportunity again” Ashley chuckled. “There’s only like one seat left, Nick saved it for you”.

“That’s my boo boo” she grinned widely.

As Geet returned, her group were all seated and so were the remaining passengers leaving her the last passenger seat which happened to be the seat nearest to aisles, besides her sat her nephew with his tablet and besides him near the window sat Gaurav Khurana.

On the other three seats, near the aisle sat Maan Khurana Who was only a mere 2 metre distance from her, on the middle sat Savitri Khurana and Rhea Khurana. Geet for the first time cursed her nephew choosing such a seat, couldn’t he have sat next to her parents or his own. She looked around and noticed her family sat further down chatting away happily with Adhira and her children.

Great, for the next 34 hours she’s going to be sat here…

Chapter 50

Adrian Lewis stared out of the window enjoying the warmth of the blazing sunrays casting down over his apartment. He pushed open the balcony doors and stepped out, brushing his fingers through his thick hair, a small smile adorning his lips.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, he pulled out his phone smiling as he read the text.

Just arrived! On my way xxx

He responded instantly grinning widely, he couldn’t wait to see his girlfriend.

Their respective jobs had taken up most of their time, with him being the face of Calvin Klein, he had been touring around various countries and cities for photoshoots. Geet was setting down the foundations of her designing company followed by her hectic schedule with the airline. He and Geet had talked of finding a house together, however they never discussed where. Adrian was settled in Dubai and since her training had finished she returned to India and was living with her parents whilst now starting up her own business.

Despite their schedule, they just about managed to see one another during the weekends, he either visited her before going for another job or she’d visit Dubai whilst flying on the job and stayed at his apartment.

Adrian turned around hearing the key rattle and the door opened, he turned around stepping inside the apartment grinning widely as he saw his girlfriend walk in.

Geet released her hold on her suitcase and moved towards him, she threw her arms around his neck as he lifted her off her feet kissing her fervently.

“I missed you so much” she sighed burrowing her face into the hollow of his neck.

“Are we going to be ignoring each other through the flight?” Gaurav questioned after a moment noticing how stiffly Geet had settled.

“Mr Khurana, I’m not…”

“Geet, you don’t need to be formal” Gaurav cut in smiling gently, “I realise that you’re holding a grudge against us”.

Geet didn’t say anything, she wasn’t going to lie to the old man.

“I also understand that we judged you poorly, and we never should have” he continued, “I apologise for that, that has been a regretting mistake”.

Geet looked confused and curious at the same time, he regretted saying no and found that their no had been a mistake.

“I’d like to extend my hand of friendship and call this a truce?” Gaurav held out his hand.

Geet considered for a moment and shook his hand offering a smile.

“I apologised to Marissa, but never got to apologise to you” he added.

“It’s okay” Geet answered, the grudge she held chipped away. She’d been judged many times for various reasons, not many had apologised for judging her before knowing her.

A genuine apology is what it takes, she would forgive at the snap of her fingers if the apology was genuine and one regretted it.

“Gigi, I’m bored” Nick looked up at her getting bored of his tablet. “Can I take my seatbelt off?” he questioned shoving his tablet away and tugging at the seatbelt.

“Not now, give them another couple of minutes” she answered taking his hands into hers trying to distract him, they weren’t cleared to unbuckle their seatbelts yet.

“I don’t wanna fly anymore, I’m bored” he scrunched his nose.

Why did you sit here then? Geet pondered, she found herself noting Gaurav Khurana looking amused. Had she muttered her words? It was either that, or he was amused by her nephew. She hoped it was the latter.

“Do you read, son?” Gaurav asked grabbing Nick’s attention.

“I’m not your son” Nick frowned, “My daddy is over there”.

Geet smiled inwardly watching their interaction, she turned her body slightly facing Nick. Unaware that her t-shirt had ridden up, the small of her back exposed and drew the attention of the man that only settled on the other row.

Maan shifted uncomfortably, the small dimples of the small of her back were prominent, he also noticed a black tribal mark that peaked out, another tattoo. He wondered when she had gotten that, as she had revealed on the Instagram video the one on her forearm was her first tattoo. Maan looked away hoping no one realised he was staring, he couldn’t believe his damn luck.

Gaurav had chuckled at Nick’s response, “I didn’t mean to say I’m your daddy”.

“You can call me Nick, mister” Nick informed. “This is my Gigi” he pointed. “But I only call her Gigi, alright?”

“Okay, so what can I call her?” Gaurav asked.

“Hey Gigi, what does the Santa call you?” he asked innocently.

Geet looked surprised at his choice of wordings, she looked up seeing Gaurav laughing which made her only chuckle. “Boo, boo I don’t think he’s santa”.

Nick looked over and perused him then turned to Geet, “He’s skinny to be Santa. Santa is fat”. Before Geet could respond, Ashley and Sophia came down the aisles asking everyone what they’d like to drink. Gaurav pulled out his wallet, whilst Geet ordered herself a glass of flavoured water and a carton of orange juice for Nick.

Geet looked at Nick for approval when she noticed Gaurav had pulled out his wallet, she informed “All drinks and meals are free on the Emirates, unless you’re ordering the premium champagne”.

“Oh, okay” Gaurav was surprised, usually all airlines charged for food and drinks and the cost was ridiculously overpriced.

“Would you like something sir? We do hot drinks as well”.

“Can I get a coffee with 2 sugars, no milk” Gaurav requested.

“You want anything else?” Geet asked helping herself to the orange juice on the cart and grabbed herself a bottled water.

“Crisp” Nick grinned.

“Of course” Geet rolled her eyes knowing his love for crisps came from her sister who was munching on them a lot over the last few months since she learned about her 3rd pregnancy.

“Pass him a cheese and onion crisp” Geet told Ashley.

After Ashley and Sophia had served their row, they moved forward serving the next passengers. Geet opened up the packet of crisps for her nephew then unscrewed the lid of her bottle, her lid however accidentally fell out of her hands rolling over to the side just as another air stewardess walked pass nudging her elbow unknowingly. The lid had rolled to a stop by Maan’s feet.

She turned her head to look at him and he averted his eyes immediately.

“Maan” she called.

Maan cursed his eyes for staring at her, what the hell was wrong with him? He turned his face towards her trying to seem nonchalant but it was so difficult. He was trying to seem invisible as he sat in the airline, but with her so close…he found himself staring at her.

“Would you be able pass the bottle lid? It’s rolled over” she asked.

He looked down and noticed that the lid was indeed near his feet, he bent down reaching for the lid and straightened, he held it out for her. Electric currents sizzled through him awakening his every desire as her fingers touched his skin as she took the lid.

“Thanks” Geet sipped her flavoured water, she hadn’t ignored how his skin heated. She noticed the shudder when her fingers touched him, she took another gulp glancing at the corner of her eyes, he was now looking away.

She hadn’t missed the glances she had received over the last few months, she certainly wasn’t blind to someone attracted to her. She had seen many times with her dates, the soft look in their eyes and the eyes focused. His eyes softened and focused whenever she had noted him watching her. She had ignored it, he averted his eyes each time and looked away from meeting her eyes. She just hadn’t thought he’d feel attracted to her, not after their first initial meeting at her house.

Savitri had stolen glances over where her husband had sat down, then looked at Nick and Geet. She was going to sit besides her husband however Nick had ran in and sat there, and ‘saved’ the seat beside him for his Gigi. She looked distastefully when Geet had crossed her leg over the other, her bare thighs and knees exposed to everyone close to her.

She didn’t seem to notice the sort of attention she was drawing to herself, had Geet been brought up properly, she would’ve been aware of the men sitting around her and covered herself properly. It also didn’t escape her notice, the tattoo that adorned her forearm.

Back in her days, she hadn’t ever worn a kameez that came above her knees. Since she married her husband, she had been wearing sarees with the full blouse that covered her completely, she believed her body was only for her husband to see. It wasn’t there for the rest of the world to see, she had been instilled with that belief from her young age.

“Where are you going?” Geet asked Sean as he walked by.

“Just heading to the toilet” he answered.

“Hi daddy” Nick looked up grinning. “Santa called me son” he pointed to Gaurav, “Are you going to shout at him now? You said you’re going to…”

“Okay, that’s enough from you boo boo” Geet covered his mouth looking at her brother in law, “Clearly he has a knack for talking, doesn’t surprise me seeing as you’re the father”.

Sean shrugged, “Hey, at least he’s honest”.

“What’s Tara doing?”

“She’s nodded off with Theresa in her arms” he told her, “I’ll catch you in a bit, I need the toilet” he excused himself walking away.

Geet knotted her gown, drying her hair she scrunched it up into a bun and walked out of the bedroom inhaling the aromatic cooking smell coming from the kitchen.

“What are you making?” she questioned pausing by the doorway, she perused her boyfriend from behind, he had taken his t-shirt off, his dark jeans rode low on his hips revealing his toned abs and V that she so loved.

“Salt and pepper chicken with stir fry noodles” he glanced over arching his brows noticing how she leaned against the doorframe only dressed in a navy coloured gown.

“Come here, Pearson” he lowered the flame and turned around. “I don’t think I kissed you a proper welcome”.

Geet smiled walking over, her hands instantly going to his shoulders and tilting her head back allowing him to kiss her deeply.

“Kartik doesn’t believe we won the award back in 2015” Shaira walked over leaning against the seats and looked at Geet.

“I didn’t say that” Kartik walked over piping in.

“He scoffed” Zarina called out laughing.

Geet arched her brows, “Are you doubting my firm, kid?” she questioned.

“Can you stop calling me kid? At least don’t call me that in front of my family” Kartik looked embarrassed, his cheeks heated. It didn’t help that he had a baby face.

“It suits you, son” Gaurav chuckled.

“He, your daddy?” Nick looked up from his tablet hearing the word son again and looked at Kartik.

“No, I don’t know him” Kartik answered shaking his head.

“Why you call everyone son?”

“It’s like a name” Geet informed, “Like how you call me boo boo nicely, he says son”

“I don’t like son” Nick looked at Gaurav, “You call me Nick, or… or pumpkin like Papa Neels calls Gigi. I never be called Pumpkin”.

“Pumpkin?” Kartik snickered.

“Something wrong with that? Kid” she emphasised.

“No, no..” Kartik shook his head biting back his smile, it didn’t last long he laughed.

“Boo boo, I sometimes don’t like you” Geet looked down at her nephew, she excused herself heading down the aisle to go to the toilet.

The door opened suddenly, startled she stepped back only to have a wrist catch her and stop her from stumbling back, she stepped forward trying to stop her own self from falling.

She felt herself colliding full frontal with another body, their eyes drew to one another…

Please spare a moment to share a thought on the chapters and hope that you are enjoying BNB