FF: Forever and Always........Updated link to Thread 2 - Page 57

PART 15

Dev sighed as he watched Tara fidget. He had known Tara for years to understand that this was not because of missing him. In fact Tara's fidgety self had nothing to do with him. Yet he did not like the lines of tensions marking Tara's forehead. They seemed unfair and he wanted to get rid of them.

Dev crept in softly and held Tara from behind and nudging his nose n he nape he placed a soft kiss at her sensitive point where her neck meets her collar bone. He could feel Tara shudder in ecstasy even with that chaste kiss melting in his arms. Turning her softly he watched the face of his love trying to let the serenity settle I him, serenity and peace only having her in his arms could give.

Tara said in a very soft tone," Oh!! Dev!! I have missed you."

Taking her lips into his and softly nibbling them Dev actually showed Tara how much he had missed her. Tara responded with equal passion while trying to bring more into her and getting as much of him as she can.

The sheer need of air made them stop and separate from each other gasping for air. Watching Tara's hooded eyes and swollen lips Dev commented shamelessly," That was one hell of a welcome home Tara. I should go out of station often."

Gone was the girl who was shying away in the arms of her lover. Tara watched Dev with dagger eyes and said in a bossy tone," Mr. Dev Khurana!!! Don't you dare tease me!! Here I was missing you like hell and you did not even have time to call me once and now you are ... I hate you...

Her words stuck in her throat as Dev pulled her suddenly in his arms and said softly," Ooh!! Tara!! What do I do with you? I love you dear. I was really very busy and could not call you simply because all the while I was trying to finish off my work quickly so I can come back sooner. I missed you too sweety, a hell lot."

Dev watched her. Her fidgety self was back. Dev softly held her in his arms and asked gently," What's the matter Tara? Are you worried about something?"

Tara watched him and shook her head in negative.

Dev said firmly, " Tara dear, I have known you for years. Whenever you fidget and turn and twist your hair then there is something which is bothering you."

Tara hugged him and said softly," I can't still figure out things."

Dev:" Do you want to share this with me Tara?"

Tara: "Will you stop asking if I don't?"

Dev:"I believe in giving other's there required space. And I know you will tell me when you are ready."

Tara:" Give me some time Dev."

Dev:" Great, then we can talk about this in Lonavla."

Tara:" Lonavla??"

Dev:" I thought all about what you said earlier about us making a short trip. I think you are right. So I am going to plan something in Lonavla next month. The monsoon would have set in by then. So it will be best time to visit. It's nearby Mumbai and we all can go over a weekend so Bro cannot really make an excuse."

Tara jumped in glee and said ," Wow!! This is an awesome idea Dev!! Just plan things out with Maan veerji's secretary accordingly!! We five can go .It will be fun."

Dev:" Five?"

Tara:" Off course five, we both, Maan veerji, Geet and Pari."

Dev:" But will Bro like to mingle with his employees? Don't get me wrong but you know how rigid Maan Veerji can get sometimes."

Tara gave a naughty wink and said," Maan veerji has already broken his own set of rules."

Dev:" What do you mean Tara?"

Tara:" Geet and Maan Veerji have been friends. They have been friends for a long time, right from Geet's first day in Mumbai."

Dev:" Are you kidding me Tara?"

Tara:" Not at all. "

Dev:"Wow!! So something's cooking?"

Tara became quiet. She took a deep breath and answered," No Dev. Not from Geet's end at least. Remember I was worried about something when you came. It is Geet. She has some deep pain embedded within and from her and Pari's discussion I figured she was hurt in love. I am not sure though. Why Geet? She is so good."

Dev:" Sometimes bad things happen to good people Tara. We should try and help her if needed but as far as I understand, time is the best healer. It heals almost everything. Anyway, we don't really know much about her so we won't judge her. But let's all make a plan so we can enjoy going there."

Tara:" You said time heals almost everything Dev."

Dev:" Yes Tara, I said almost everything."

Tara:" What do you mean by almost Dev?"

Dev closed his eyes to the memories of a past when his Maan bhai was not this brooding man but a smiling teenager and he had the luxury of being the spoilt brat knowing Bro will take care of everything.

Dev opened his eyes swallowing away the raw pain and said softly," Some pains no matter how much time is passed does not fade away. The worst kind of Goodbyes are those which are never said or explained Tara(line courtesy: net). You know what I am talking about Tara. Don't you?"

Tara:" I understand Dev. Okay, I think you are Tired. You should head back home. We will plan things out."

Dev:" Why don't you say directly you want to get rid of me?"

Tara:" Umm, it has nothing to do with that. You look totally worn out Dev. I loved your surprise of coming here but I want you healthy. So just go and sleep for some time."

Dev knew Tara was right in a way and he should be heading home. Giving a quick kiss on her forehead he headed out. He could find Geet near the reception still. She was smiling and chatting over phone. She wondered if she was chatting with his brother.

*****

Meera had been waiting for Sunday morning. It had been so many days she had really talked with Geet. Geet being Geet had realized that she was not being her usual self. She could have told Geet earlier but she did not want to. Yash and her; they needed this one meeting. Whatever it was it was theirs story to end and Meera did not want any third person to be there even if the third person is Geet.

But she could not wait to tell Geet everything. So Sunday morning, she texted Geet to come online over Skype. Meera wanted to check out every expressions of Geet when Geet listens to this.

Geet:" So Meer, you finally got time for me."

Meer:" Come on Geet, it is nothing like that. I was just busy with something or rather disturbed with something."

Geet:" Is everything fine Meer? "

Meer:" I am not sure if fine is the right word Geet. But there's something I have been hiding from you and I want to share it with you."

Geet:" Hmm go on..."

Meer:" Aren't you angry Geet? That I hide things from you?"

Geet:" I was. But then a friend of mine explained that sometimes we face situations where we could not even tell our best friend. That does not make us a bad friends dear. It's just everything has its correct time."

Meer:" Oh Geet!!! That is something really admirable thought. Thank your friend on my behalf, will you? And so for this benefit of doubt what can I do in return?"

Geet:" Nothing much Meer, just promise me if you ever find I have hidden things from you , you will give me this benefit of doubt and wait for me to explain."

Meer:" Always ,Geet!!"

Geet:" So now are you ready to share?"

Meer:"Absolutely!"

And Meera started talking while Geet kept listening for a long time. Meera talked about Sid's proposal, Yash and her meeting at the metro station and then the meeting day before. She told everything Yash had said including the part involving Armaan and finally there departing as almost friends. Geet was overwhelmed with emotions.

She had always known about Sid's affection for Meer but the depth of it gave her goose bumps. She was glad Meer and Yash had their closure. After all to move on you need to end the past relation completely. Everybody deserves a chance to say a proper goodbye.

Worst was hearing about Armaan. He had known. Maybe ...Maybe if he was around he would have helped Meer to get over Yash!! But the truth is Armaan wasn't here to help Meer heal. And even she couldn't when she should have. The familiar feel of guilt overpowered Geet again and she said in a guilt laden voice," Meer, I am sorry. I wasn't there for you dear!! I couldn't keep Armaan's promise. He had promised all of us would be there for you. And I wasn't."

Meer:" oh!! Geet get over it sweety! I have never held you responsible for anything. Your hurt, our pain was way more than mine. I could see Yash, feel his happiness even if it is away from me and be relieved that he is okay. I couldn't even imagine your pain of never even able to see Armaan. Geet, you reacted as you should have. Truth to be told while helping you cope up with Armaan's loss I became stronger to bear the hurt Yash's absence in my life gave. Life is not fairytale Geet but I am glad we still have each other."

Geet knew Meer was right. Her life is not even remotely a fairytale but yeah she is glad she has friends who are more than a family.

Geet:" So, are you going to accept Sid's proposal?"

Meer:"I am kind of confused Geet."

Geet:" What does your heart say Meer?"

Meer:" It feels wrong. Sid is an awesome guy, a caring friend, a compassionate partner but I don't feel like that for him. Not yet at least. He seems too good to just be my rebound guy because I am still very much in love with Yash and I need time before I can accept anyone else."

Geet:" Umm over the years you and Sid have become a close friends I guess. The Meer I knew in hostel would not be caught dead praising Sid."

Meer:"I respect him Geet. Unrequited love is the worst of its kind. And having the courage to bare your heart knowing all the while that your love is not returned, that requires some damn strength and will power. I wish he gets his happiness."

Geet:" Meer, don't force your heart. Let your heart lead the way. If Sid is truly your destination your heart will always find your way to him."

Meer:" You took the words right from my mouth Geet. I don't want to be with him for wrong reasons Geet. If I am with him it should be only because I love him, not for m loneliness or to get over Yash."

Geet:" That's like my Meer!!Love you sweety!"

Meer:" Love you too Geet. I wish someday you find your destination as well."

Geet:" My destination was lost even before I could begin my journey Meer!!"

Meer:" I am sure just like me you will find hope. Many times what we think is the destination is only a stop in our path. But then Geet, we forget one simple thing. It was never about the destination. It's the journey that counts."

Geet:" I wish Meer I could be positive like you."

Meer:" You will Geet!! Because these are not my words! You know who had said these words and the best way to honor him is to be what he always wanted you to be. Happy!! Mom is calling me for breakfast so me going offline. Take care Geet!!"

Meera left away abruptly in a pool of memories from somewhere long ago...

Armaan was reading a book. It was one of their school project and knowing Geet would eat his head away with her lecture it is better to study.

But his attention was soon caught by raima, the sexiest girl of their class. She was talking with her group of friends and Armaan turned gooey eye watching her. Armaan was so involved in wathing raima, his latest crush that he did not notice Geet standing beside him.

Geet:" Oh!! She looks good right?"

Armaan:"Absolutely(dremilly)!!!"

Geet:" And where exactly are you going to get the paper about French revolution from? I bet raima would help you..."

As soon as her words got registered Armaan looked back o see a fuming Geet. If looks could kill he would be dead.

Stuttering he said," Arey Geeet!!"

Geet:" Yes, Geet!! And is this the way to study! Garden is not a place to study...but then you were not really studying..."

Armaan:" Geet, come on yaar!! History is boring!"

Geet:" Great! Don't study but don't expect my help also!"

Armaan:" Why do you even bother about history when you want to take science in 11^th?"

Geet:" because Mr. Armaan, I don't want to flunk in history for our finals of eighth standard. But you don't bother."

Armaan:" Many times what we think is the destination is only a stop in our path. But then Geet, we forget one simple thing. It was never about the destination. It's the journey that counts."

Geet:" precious words Mr. Armaan! I am sure your parents would be happy to hear about them when you flunk in History this year!! The teacher has already given you an ultimatum. I am sure you had a long phone call with your dad in this regard!"

Geet turned back and was taking long strides back to the library to complete her studies when Armaan held her from behind and made the most innocent puppy dog face saying," Sorry Geet!! Please last time!"

Geet could not help but smile. Armaan was such a charmer!!

Armaan smiled and said," Suppose Geet, someday I go away far, so far that you cannot reach what would you do? Would you miss your best friend?"

Geet:" Trust you to ask the most baseless question. But you going away would be a breath of fresh air. Half of my time is spent trying to fix your mischief!!"

Armaan:" Be aware what you wish for, it might come true!"

Geet:" Armaan!!!!!! Stop irritating me, anyway where can you really go? You will always have to come back to me; you miss me way more than I miss you."

Armaan:" Suppose if I can't come back, then what would you do?"

Geet:" I will follow you and kick your butt for giving me all the trouble. Now are you done with all these stupid questions?"

Armaan:" Yeah! But this is my order Geet Handa that ever if such a thing happens when I can't come back to you you won't follow me. You will wait right there, holding on to the memories of our friendship and you will see God would send you a substitute."

Geet:" Stop making crazy conversations!!! Only you will be my best friend! No one else has the right!"

Armaan:" So Meer isn't your best friend? She will be so hurt!!"

Geet:" Stop being mean Armaan!! What's wrong with you? Why are you talking about going away and stuffs? You know I love Meer but you are special Armaan! I don't know how to explain but nobody can be you."

Armaan:" Actually Geet, there is a chance that I might be leaving hostel. My family is going through some financial crisis and I feel it is a luxery to study in this expensive private school!!"

Geet was silent. Only one word registered that Armaan would be leaving. She is again on the brink of losing a family!!!

Geet was totally lost in the memories when suddenly her cell rang. Geet picked up without checking who the caller is:

Geet:" hello!"

Maan:" Hello Geet, sorry to bother you at this moment. Are you free today?"

Geet:" Yep, why?"

Maan:" The thing is, KE is supposed to throw a party tonight for a land deal we secured last week. A lot of foreign delegates are coming and my secretary is suddenly taken ill. I know it is not in your job description but can you help me out by arranging it for me? I will give you the details about the event planner, the caterers and theme and other details."

Geet:" Umm... okay Maan, but why me?"

Maan:" Well I don't know. Just you seemed appropriate."

Geet:" But Maan, I have absolutely zero idea about business parties. What if I mess up things?"

Maan:" Things are already pretty messed up Geet. And you can take help from Naina. She has idea about parties. Do it Geet."

Geet:" Fine, email me all the details and make sure you are available on call. I don't want to mess things up."

Maan:" Okay Geet. Thanks a lot! I owe you one!"

Geet:" I will hold onto you for this one Mr. Khurana."

Geet quickly started getting ready. It is indeed going to be a long day ahead!