Part 75
Reality was, he had never had something like this. No restaurant no chef his family had could ever bring this taste.
Everything was so simple yet delicious.
And her gesture, he hasn’t experienced this kind of warmth before
Coming over and meeting him coz she missed him was not that bad of an idea.
Maybe she should do it often.
She thinks grinning to herself.
She looks at Maan happily eating and thinks how far they've come.
M- Geet
His voice makes her come out of her thoughts
G- Hmm?
M- We would need to travel to our ancestral house in few days. There is some family stuff.
He informs.
She lets out a deep sigh.
M- I should have given you some more time or I have tried to skip if you hate it that much…
G- No. I know it’s not easy for you as well, Actually I know it’s more difficult for you. It’s just few days, we will be fine. We are together in this.
Her words have warmth and comfort that makes is whole existence pause for a while.
He nods.
She smiles.
M- Thanks
G- Don’t worry too much about it.
How did she know that he was worrying about it?
He wonders.
G- Par achcha hai hum tumhare ghar jaa rahe hain. Tumhara anniversary gift hi kaam aajayega.
She gives him a gift-wrapped box.
He opens it to find Me’s handloom traditional wear.
G- My native place is famous from handcrafted weaving. I got this specially made for you. I know its not your still. But trust me, it will look really nice on you. Ek baar pehenke try karna.
She is little confused with his expression on lack of it.
Samajh nayi aaya pasand aaya ki nahi.
He was blank faced.
Thing was he was so surprised by her gesture that he didn’t know how to react. He had acquired and got gifted many international luxury brands with heavy price tags, but it was something specially crafted for him.
This could never even have a price tag.
G- Acha main chalti hoon. Ek magazine shoot hai. Nikalna hai.
He nods, still in stupor.
M- Phir aaogi?
He blurts out.
She is taken aback and stops on her feet, her cheeks acquiring a color.
G- Ab tum aana
He replies softly and glides out.
During the photo shoot few press people come up for a mini-interview about the brand and all
The host’s eyes catch the ring on her finger, and she smiles slyly.
Host-I couldn’t help but notice... that beautiful ring. Is there a special story behind it?
The Host asks pointing to the wedding ring Geet was wearing.
She had forgotten to take it off and put it on her neck as a locket as she usually wears it.
Geet falters for a moment, her mind racing. She doesn’t want to expose her relationship with Maan yet.
G-(lighthearted) Oh, this? It’s just... something personal. A gift from someone special.
The host raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but Geet swiftly changes the subject, her heart pounding.
Later, she calls Maan, seeking comfort.
G- (over the phone, frustrated) I hate how they always pry into my personal life... it’s exhausting.
M- You’re doing great, Geet. Don’t let them get to you.
+++++
Maan and Geet arrive at the grand ancestral estate.
The sprawling property is as intimidating as ever, with its tall gates and imposing architecture, an embodiment of old wealth and family legacy.
Geet, though familiar with the place by now, feels a knot form in her stomach. She senses the underlying tension that this visit carries.
Maan and Geet walk into the main hall, where several of Maan’s relatives are already gathered.
The atmosphere is cold and formal, starkly different from the warmth Maan and Geet share privately.
Maan’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Khurana, sit at the head of the room. Aunts, uncles, cousins—all eyes turn toward the couple as they step in.
Maan’s Father (sternly)-Maan. You’re here. We need to talk.
Geet gets the message that she isn’t welcome in the discussion.
G- I will go and freshen up then.
She offers a polite nod and walks away.
Maan’s brows furrow, he doesn’t have a good feeling about this.
He takes a seat, and the discussion quickly turns to business matters, but it’s clear that the true issue is yet to be addressed.
The conversation eventually circles around to the matter of inheritance—specifically, the family’s reluctance to give Geet a share in the family company, a customary 0.2% that all spouses receive after one year of marriage.
Uncle (smugly)- I’m afraid we cannot approve this, Maan. Geet may be your wife, but her background… it’s too different. We don’t know enough about her family or upbringing to feel comfortable giving her part of the estate.”
Maan’s jaw tightens beside her.
Cousin (mockingly)- She’s practically a stranger to us, Maan. No offense, but this isn’t just about being family; it’s about trust.
Maan is sitting, his fists clenched.
Maan (quietly but dangerously)- I thought we were past this. She’s my wife, and that should be enough for all of you.
Aunt (scoffing)- Well, some of us believe that marriage should be between equals. We aren’t sure if her intentions are… sincere. She’s from a completely different world.
Maan’s Father (interjecting, attempting calm)- It’s not personal, son. It’s just business. We can’t afford to be reckless. There’s too much at stake.”
The calm tone of his father only enrages Maan more. His eyes darken.
M(voice rising)- Reckless? You’re calling *her* reckless? The woman who *single-handedly* kept this family from financial ruin when I wasn’t here? Where were any of you when things started falling apart?
The room goes still. His words hang in the air like a blade.
Maan stands up with fury in his voice- You’re fine giving shares to distant relatives who haven’t done a thing for this family. But Geet—*my wife*—someone who has proved her loyalty and her strength? You question her character?”
Cousin trying to maintain control says.
Cousin-It’s not the same, Maan. She doesn’t come from—”
Maan cuts him off.
M-Doesn’t come from what? Your idea of ‘proper’ family? Is that it? You think your bloodline is so pure? I’ve seen some of you squander your shares, blow through money, contribute nothing, and still sit here with a sense of entitlement.”
Maan’s Father (sternly)- This isn’t about you, Maan. It’s about the family. You can’t force us to accept her.
Maan’s entire demeanor changes. The anger fades, replaced by something colder, more distant. His eyes harden as he looks around the room, scanning the faces of the people he’s known his whole life—his family.
Maan (quietly, almost to himself)- Maybe I’m the one who’s been a fool.
Anupamaa
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
523