Hamaari Prem Kahaani......#5 Part 64/ Pg 139 Dt 24/05 - Page 65

KHURANA MANSION

[Maan's POV]

We all walked out of the mansion. While all headed towards the car I halted midway and told Aadi to urgently arrange a chopper for me as I wasn't coming to the Head Quarters (HQ) but going to the accident site. Glancing at all the confused faces I explained my point. Had I mentioned about going to the forest back there in the mansion everybody would have joined in, creating further chaos and confusion at the site, making it difficult for the team to carry out the rescue operation effectively.

Yesterday my priority was Geet as her condition was serious and I had to get her back safely! Now that she is absolutely fine I'm not gonna sit back here and keep waiting for any news. I will myself go there for Dev! Using the chopper was a quicker option as I can skip the road traffic and reach there soon and look for Dev.

Before I could continue further Commissioner Uncle (CU) called informing me that he along with a team of his special officers are leaving for the accident site, as its day now they will be using the chopper to locate any clues or whereabouts about Dev.

I felt as if Babaji himself was directing me the path ahead!

No sooner I volunteered to join them, all the others too joined in and wouldn't budge at any cost! I tried to reason out with them as they all had been on their toes since the past two days and need to rest but...

I was truly blessed to have them all with me!!!

So as planned Vicky and I headed to the HQ to join the team while the others will join us on the scene in our private chopper.

HANDA HAVELI

[Rajinder's POV]

"Daarji dekha aap ne Dev ki Maa ko police ne arrest kar diya hain, usne Geet ko kidnap kiya tha lekin Khurana's ne phir se Geet ko baccha liya, Dev abhi tak lapata hain. Media ko Khurana Mansion ya Khurana's ke aas-paas bhi nahi aane de rahe hain. Mere aadmiyon ne pata kiya hain Mohinder hamaare poore parivaar ke saath do din se wahi reh rahan hain."

"Dushmano ke saath mil gaya hain gaddar kahin ka! Agar main yahaan hota toh iss mauke ka poora faayda uthata aur Geet ko khatam kar deta." I announced.

"Bakwaas bandh kar! Filhaal hume Brij ko jail se bahar nikalna hain. Mumbai jaake bhi kuch faayda nahi hua uss lawyer ne mana kar diya case ladne se." Daarji sadly spoke up.

"Yeh sab sirf inn Khurana's ki wajah se ho raha hain, koi bhi accha lawyer humara case nahi le raha hain aur phir bhi aap chahte hain ke..." Before I could continue Daarji shouted.

"Chup kar bewakoof tere bete ne kam musibat mein daala hain jo toh aur bula raha hain. Iss waqt hamara ek galat kadam hum sab ko jail mein pohucha dega. Ek baar Brij bahar aa jaaye phir sochenge inn sab ke saath kya karna hain. Tab tak tu kuch nahi karega...Samjha." He ordered and I nodded in affirmation.

He was right! Now was not the time to invite more trouble let them enjoy but soon we will give them a fitted reply and ruin all their happiness forever...

"Khurana bahot jald tumhaari saari khushiyaan mitti mein mil jaayegi, barbaad kar doonga tum logon ko hamesha ke liye!" I promised myself.

ACCIDENT SCENE

[Maan's POV]

The rescue operation were on in full swing! The accident had taken place last evening so the force couldn't do much due to bad light but now there was no looking back. Vicky directed me towards the actual accident spot, they all along with the force had searched around but the darkness had failed all their attempts.

The traces and proofs around clearly showed how badly the jeep must have fallen down in the valley and I didn't even want to think in the direction of Dev being in that jeep! I had to look out for some clues nearby maybe we could get hold on something positive!

"Babaji...Aap hamesha sahi ka saath dete ho, Dev ne sahi raaste pe pehla kadam badhaya hain uss par meher rakhna! Geet ko aap pe poora vishwaas hain aur mujhe Geet ke vishwaas par vishwaas hain...hamaara saath dijiye...koi raasta dikhayiye!!!" I closed my eyes shooting a quick prayer to Babaji!

KHURANA MANSION

[Geet's POV]

"MAAN..." I woke up with a start! I felt as if Maan had called out to me, glancing around I noticed the nurse sitting on a couch reading something. I could also hear some faint sounds of chants echoing in the mansion. Maa had earlier mentioned that Dadimaa had organized an 'akhand havan' for family's safety.

Luckily my drip had been removed so I tried to get up, the nurse immediately rushed stopping me but I was adamant to go down. Maa (Rano) too came in with a glass of juice and was shocked to see me up from the bed. Before she could argue, I made my point clear.

"Maa mujhe neeche havan mein jaana hain, apne parivaar, mere Maan aur hamaare baby ki suraksha ke liye prathna karne." I said in finality.

I am sure all of them are hiding something vital from me, in the morning all seemed worried about something and even Maan seemed tensed and avoided speaking about Dev. Though Maan informed me of going for some formalities but his eyes spoke otherwise I could sense his discomfort but due to medication I fell asleep. Something is not fine for sure and somewhere related to Dev. Dev who had protected us! Today only bcos of him we are back home safe, our baby is safe! I owe him so much and I will surely pray for his well being and hope Maan's cause of worry is solved soon.

Maa and nurse escorted me carefully to the puja room.

I was stunned for a moment seeing everybody seated there performing puja and praying earnestly. I observed around all the faces depicting clear lines of tension but my eyes refused to move away from Maa (Aparna) and Pari! Both looked absolutely shattered and broken thereby confirming my doubt that Dev was in some kind of trouble. I slowly tried to walk in and all heads turned towards me some in disbelief, some in disapproval but I just settled myself between Maa and Pari.

Maa caressed my head in concern but I gestured her I'm fine. She ruefully smiled, her pain clearly evident in her eyes. I turned towards Pari she tried hard to hide her tears from me but...

I just hugged her tight and she just broke down! I wiped her tears nodding in a no, blinking my eyes in reassurance and holding her hand we commenced the puja yet again with full faith that all will be well and Dev will be safe!

"Bhagwaan Dev ki raksha karna aur Maan jis bhi wajah se gaye ho usme unhe kamyaabi mile! Hamaare poore parivaar par meher karna...sab kuch sahi ho jaaye!" I prayed to God!

ACCIDENT SCENE

[Maan's POV]

It had been some hours now but we hadn't been able to get any clues. Each passing moment diminishing my hopes, fear of worst slowly making way in me. I brushed my hands in my hair closing my eyes to gather myself. Stomping away in sheer frustration I made way with aggression through some dense bushes near the cliff when something shiny reflected catching my attention I picked it up and sigh of relief settled in me!

It was a watch!

I looked around and found some blood spots nearby I quickly called CU and soon it was confirmed that the watch belongs to Dev. Vicky immediately recognized the watch as Pari had picked up two identical watches for two special people in her life, Dev and Vicky! We followed the blood spots trail which ended at the nearby highway thereby giving a hope that Dev had himself walked up to the highway.

The team got busy to trace other clues and proofs also to track down Dev's whereabouts with the help of local police in the nearby areas n hospitals . CU requested us to return and I agreed as we had to go home and share this piece of news with everyone especially Pari who would waiting eagerly for that one ray of hope in this darkness!

KHURANA MANSION

[Maan's POV]

Even before we could enter the main door Pari rushed to me, the security must have informed them of our arrival. I smiled to her in assurance and informed her.

"Pari...jeep ke khaai (valley) mein girne se pehle, Dev jeep se bahar gir gaya tha! Woh kahan hain yeh toh ab tak pata nahi chala hain lekin woh hosh mein tha aur khud hi kahin chala gaya hain." I felt satisfied to see a faint smile and a new ray of hope shine on Pari's face.

I elaborated about the watch and blood spots trailing till the highway. So it was clear that Dev fell off the jeep and was in complete sense as he had made his way towards the highway.

"Pari ab mujhe poora yakeen hain woh theek hoga!" I affirmed confidently hugging her.

[Geet's POV]

We were all earnestly praying for Dev when the shrill intercom ring drew all our attention. Dad immediately attended the call and a faint smile touched his lips. A call from the security who notified us about Maan's arrival. A peculiar kind of anxiety gripped us all, a hope that maybe they found Dev and a fear that...

There was pin drop silence for some moments.

I was happy to hear that Maan was back and somewhere was sure if he has returned, means he must have got some information about Dev. Maan never gives up on anything midway, he always finishes all he takes up! But soon my smile was replaced with panic as Dads words sinked in...Maan was back and I'm here...out of my room...Now I'm surely dead!

Dadimaa gestured the priests to continue while Pari was just about to run out towards the main door when I started mumbling loudly catching everybody's attention.

"Haaye...Babaji! Aaj toh main pakka gayi...agar Maan ne mujhe yahan dekh liya toh meri khair nahi! Raksha karni apni bacchi ki!" Colour drained off all the faces hearing my statement. They too would facing the music for allowing me here.

"Geet...tumhe shayad chod bhi de, par hum sab ko nahi chodega. Aur nurse tum yahan khadi khadi tamasha kya dekh rahi ho? Geet ko sambhaal ke upar le jao warna tumhari naukari bhi khatre mein pad jaayegi." Maa blurted out in panic.

All made way towards the hall and tried to act normal so Maan doesn't doubt anything fishy while I carefully walked up the stairs. But the wish to hear about Dev made my halt in my route. I told the nurse to move towards the room while I hid behind a pillar awaiting some positive news.

I was glad to hear about Dev but then suddenly Maan who was hugging Pari started scrutinizing around like he could feel me here. I swallowed a lumpdown my throat, with the mere idea that he had realized I was out of our room. I carefully tiptoed and peeped out, seeking an opportunity made a dash towards our room.

"Phew! Bach gaye Babaji!"

"Madam aap yeh kya kar rahi hain, aap ko bed rest lene ko bola hain aur aap bhaag rahi hain, agar aap ke husband ne dekh liya toh..." The petrified nurse cautioned me.

"Arre woh na dekh le issiliye toh bhaagi, warna aaj hum dono shahid ho jaate...Samjhi! Ab chalo main so jaane ki acting karti hoon aur tum apne kaam pe lag jao."

I said settling myself on the bed all set to doze off...I mean to put up an act of it...Atleast! But not before scaring the already terrified nurse.

"Aur haan apna mooh theek kar do, tumhe pata nahi mere pati ke aankhen X-ray se bhi zyaada tez hain.Main toh trained hoon, lekin tumhare aise expressions dekhte hi woh samajh jaayenge ke kuch gadbad hain. Toh tum na unke saamne bhi mat dekhna aur unke aate hi bahar bhaag jaana aur wapas mat aana...theek hain. Main yahan sab sambhaal loongi." I proudly announced.

I had seen this nurse ogling on my Maan and his photos since morning and now I got a perfect chance to scare the wits out of her and keep her away from My Maan!

"Aayi badi mere Maan par dore daalnewali! Chal Geet so jaa warna Dusht Danav aake yahan bawal (big scene) macha dega!" I mumbled to myself.

[Maan's POV]

It had been a real tough day today but after getting some positive information about Dev I felt truly relieved! Pari's happy face brightened my spirits too and now I can go to my Geet. Only I know how I felt while leaving her here in this state and going out in search of Dev. I was torn between both my duties but now I'm home to be with her and equally sure we will soon be able to trace Dev's whereabouts too.

Pari just hugged me in joy when I disclosed to all about the happenings at the accident scene. It really calmed my soul but I could feel a constant gaze on me. A feeling like Geet is watching me. But how was that possible!

Geet was advised for total bed rest for few days, that means no loitering around even in the mansion but still I could sense her. So while scheming around the mansion specially the corridor upstairs to our rooms, something flashed in my eye and there I caught Geet...forget walking but barging into our room!

"GEET..." I muttered quite loudly and the change in expressions of the people around confirmed that they were all party to her latest stunt.

"Maan..." Dadimaa tried to reason out but...

"Dadimaa not now...later!" I said raising a finger putting end to any conversation but also making it clear that I'm still not done with them. First and foremost I need to deal with my careless wife who thinks shes too smart to fool Me...Maan Singh Khurana.

I rushed up the stairs towards our room to greet my super intelligent wife, who by now must have surely planned some amazing nautanki to distract me.

"Geet aaj toh tumne hadd kar di!" She was testing my patience. I entered our room to see madam was asleep atleast pretending to be... Her mojris (foot wear) scattered near the bed proving she must have run to the bed not caring to remove them in her haste. I turned towards the nurse who was peeping from the magazine like a scaredy cat.

"Sab ke sab mile hue hain." I said to myself.

"Abhi dikhata hoon...agar khud ke mooh se nahi bulwaya na Geet, toh mera naam bhi Maan Singh Khurana nahi!"Playing along I walked upto the nurse and politely asked her.

"Nurse sab kuch theek hain na, meri biwi ne zyaada pareshaan toh nahi kiya na aap ko?" I purposely asked her knowing somewhere, someone would be burning like hot coal.

"Few moments more Maan...abhi blast hoga!" I smirked as immediately Geet spoke out.

"MAAN..." Her tone clearly indicating both sarcasm and warning. But her next step flamed my already rising temper.

[Geet's POV]

I pulled the covers over me waiting for Maan. I had to be really careful one mistake and ...

Maan's foot steps alerted me and I tried not to panic but hearing Maan's next set of words to that nurse just made me loose my cool.

I immediately peeped out of the blanket though not making it too obvious and called out to him, my tone making it clear to him that I was right here!

"MAAN..." I moved to him.

[Maan's POV]

"Arre Geet tum jaag rahi ho? Main abhi nurse se tumhaare hi baarein mein pooch raha tha" I feigned ignorance trying to keep my temper in check. This woman will surely drive me mad one day.

"Dekha maine" She replied pointedly holding my arm possessively. Had it some other time I would enjoy her possessiveness but today she was truly testing my patience. Her breathing still uneven due to all the running. Grabbing this opportunity I walked her up to the bed and carefully made her sit while I spoke.

"Geet tumhe bed rest bola gaya hain aur tum..." I tried not to be loud but still disapproval was evident in my tone.

"Dekho tum kitna haanf (breathless) rahi ho...tumhaari tabiyat toh theek hain na...aisa lag raha hain jaise tum kahin se daud ke aa rahi ho." I probed lightly and to irk her more I called out to the nurse.

"Nurse jaldi yahaan aake Geet ko dekho, main Doctor ko..." Before I could continue Geet spoke out.

"Nahi...mera matlab hain, main bilkul theek hoon aap fikar mat kijiye. Aur nurse tum yahan kya kar rahi ho mujhe abhi juice peena hain jao aur mere liye juice le aao." I was so waiting for this moment, as the nurse walked out of the room I locked the door and was back to Geet.

'Time for some serious talking Mrs Khurana!'

"Geet... mujhe lagta itni jaldi discharge lena galat tha. Dekho tum kitni restless ho, tired aur weak bhi lag rahi ho. Mujhe tension na ho issiliye chupa rahi ho. Hain na? Galti meri hi hain main abhi Dr ko call karta hoonaur tumhe hospital shift karne ki baat karta hoon." I played along.

"Maan please suniye na..." She pleaded nervously.

'Good move Maan!' I patted myself mentally and continued.

"Nahi Geet...tum meri baat suno! Hospital mein tumhaari zyaada acche se care hogi, ghar ke sab log baari baari tumhaare saath rahenge, tumhara mann bhi laga rahega. Yahan toh tum iss room mein qaid (grounded) ho jaaogi. Jaise aaj, sab log neeche puja mein busy the aur tum yahan akeli bore ho rahi thi. Hain na." I purposely provoked her and bull's eye!

She herself blurted out her folly!

[Geet's POV]

"Aisi koi baat nahi hain Maan. Main bhi toh sab ke saath hi puja mein baithi thi..." I closed my eyes regretting the words I just uttered. Slowly I looked up at Maan, who was by now towering over me, his eyes were boring in me and face tight not giving out anything.

"Accha..." He bit out glaring at me.

"Maan...main...woh...aap..." I fumbled out of guilt.

"Sshhh! Not a word from you." He spoke out grabbing my shoulders, his voice so deep yet trying to keep his anger in check.

"Do you have any idea ke tumne aaj kya kiya hain...Kal raat tum aur hamaara baby dono apni zindagi ke liye lad (fight) rahe the...Doctor ne tumhe bed se utar ne tak ko mana kiya hain aur tum yahan-wahan bhaag rahi ho! Tumhe aise waqt mein mazaak soonjh raha hain ya phir ek baar kahi gayi baat tumhaare samajh mein nahi aa rahi hain. Look at me and answer main kuch pooch raha hoon tumse!" He burst out on me.

I couldn't control anymore and started weeping. I didn't realize that my behavior would cause him so much pain. His words pierced my heart. It didn't matter he was shouting on me but his each word clearly showed how hurt and tensed he was, still not able to see me cry he softened a bit and said.

"Geet rona bandh karo aur jawaab do?"

"Sorry!" I muttered in between my sobs, then getting a grip on myself I continued.

"Mera yahan akele mein mann nahi lag raha tha issliye maine socha main thodi der neeche chali jau. Wahan puja mein sab ke saath baithungi toh hamaare baby ko bhi 'Bhagwaan ka Aashirwaad' milega. Maine koi laaparwaahi nahi ki, baby ka bhi poora khayaal rakha...sacchi! Lekin phir aap achaanak se aa gaye toh main darr gayi aur issiliye..." I owned up. He held my face wiping off my tears.

My honest answer immediately calmed him down. He instantly sat beside me and carefully picked me up settling me on his lap, hugging me he spoke ever so lovingly.

"Geet main tum dono ke liye pareshaan hoon aur ab main koi chance nahi lena chahta. Tum nahi jaanti, woh kuch ghante jab tum behosh thi tab mujhpe kya beeti hain. Aisa laga jaise kisi ne meri saansein mujhse cheen li ho. Tum dono mein meri zindagi basti hain Geet! Agar ab kuch bhi galat hua toh bardaasht nahi kar paaunga...Main mar jaaunga!" He just broke down confiding his fear in me. I put my hand on his mouth as he uttered those last few words I didn't want to hear them ever.

"Maan aisa mat kahiye...Main promise karti hoon ab main aisa kabhi nahi karungi. I am really very sorry!" I apologized to him.

"I love you Geet!" He said kissing my forehead.

"I love you too Maan!" I kissed him on his cheeks and then placed my head on his heart, his rhythmic heartbeats calming me.

After few moments I called out to him.

"Maan"

"Hmmm"

"Dev theek toh hoga na...woh aisi zakhmi haalat mein kahan gaya hoga?"

"Geet kam se kam hum yeh toh jaante hain ke woh accident se bach gaya hain. Police bhi usse har taraf dhoondh rahi hain...Dev jahan bhi hoga jaldi hi pata chal jaayega!" He assured me.

LAST NIGHT

It had been a real busy day but I'm so happy everything turned out perfectly well. Finally done with all the last minute chores. While heading towards my room couldn't help, but peep in every passing room.The calm and happy faces of all the people here proved that all the efforts and running around from the past few days were truly worth it. Thankfully the weather also had been quite pleasant today but now it seemed its going to rain heavily.

As they say, 'All's well that ends well!'

I was about to enter my room to call it for a day, when some noise caught my attention. Wrapping my shawl properly I moved out in the chilly weather to look into the matter. The last thing I wanted was this chaos disturbing everybody at this hour. I walked closer to see the security and some stranger debating over something. I followed their gaze only to see something lying just beside the statues of Bade Papa and Badi Maa.

I quickly reached there and strangely found a wounded man covered with Bade Papa's shawl and Badi Maa's chunri (dupatta). The guard told me this man just barged in the premises not paying any heed to his warnings and collapsed here. I assumed due to the strong winds the shawl n chunri must have flown off and fell on him but the moment I turned him around and his face coming in the view all my assumptions and logics went in for a toss!

"DEV..." I called out in panic and shock.

Shock would be an understatement! Dev being here of all the places, his condition so bad, looked terribly lost and shattered. Foe few moments I just froze not knowing how to react, what to do? The guard called out to me breaking my trance, getting a grip over myself I ordered him to call Nani and Maasi and rest of the security staff immediately.

"Dev...meri taraf dekho...kya tum mujhe sun sakte ho...hosh mein aao Dev...Please aankhen kholo...Dev..." I looked up at the other man standing beside me questioningly.

He told me he was a taxi driver who brought Dev here, he further elaborated that he found Dev, who had met with some accident struggling on the highway. He volunteered to take him to the nearby hospital as he has lost a lot of blood but Dev was adamant to come here.

"Woh saab baar baar bol rahe the mujhe 'APNA GHAR' jaana hain...Apne Dad ke paas jaana...Nani ki god meinsar rakh ke so jaana hain!" He spoke out.

"Dev wapas ghar laut aaya!" I tried to believe this.

Few other guards and people came out I immediately told one of them to call for an ambulance. Nani and Maasi also rushed here and were shocked to see Dev in this state. Nani just hugged him and started crying, she tried to wake him up by shaking, patting, talking to him.

"Dev beta utho na, koi apni Nani ko aise pareshaan karta hain, utho mujhse baat karo...utho Dev... Please ek baar mujhse baat karo..." She broke down.

"Koi Doctor ko jaldi bulao, mera baccha yahan zakhmi hain aap sab tamasha dekh rahe ho. Dev please beta..." Finally her painful plea was heard. Dev jolted trying hard to open his eyes but couldn't.

"Nani...main...bahot...thak...gaya hoon...sona chahta hoon...bahot neend...aa rahi hain..." He just uttered few words and passed out.